Guide to IT contractor training courses

Personally-funded training is an effective way of becoming an IT contractor, with high-earning potential.

Although the industry responsible for personally-funded IT courses has an annual turnover of around £500 million a year, there are currently no legal controls or quality checks for those companies offering training to individuals. With this in mind, this article offers a guide to help potential IT contractors navigate their best options and make informed choices when choosing an IT training provider.

Issues

Every year, the Institute of IT Training (IITT) receives around 200 complaints from individuals regarding personally-funded IT training courses.

"There are many unscrupulous IT training companies using pushy sales techniques, promising very unrealistic starting salaries and accepting anyone who will pay onto the course," comments Colin Steed, Chief Executive of the IITT.

The IITT

The IITT is an objective, independent body established as the world's first professional association for IT professionals. Through a range of certifications, accreditations, events and consultancy services, the Institute aims to enhance and recognise the skills and professional status of individuals and organisations engaged in training activities, as well as assessing the quality of training services.

New Kite Mark

To combat the rise of rogue training courses and organisations, the IITT has established a new kite mark accreditation for personally-funded IT training courses. The kite mark has criteria which accredited companies adhere to, assuring potential students of the high standards of their training and their ethical sales practices.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Training is important to any profession, and embarking upon an IT training course is no different – especially as the financial implications may be considerable. Whereas many other industries provide discounted training to self-employed individuals, contractors in the IT industry often have to shoulder the costs of training themselves. Therefore it is important to choose a training company that can fulfil their promises, such as assistance in finding and securing a job, plus further IT training as and when required, to help you further your career.

As one of the founder members of the steering committee that has established the kite mark accreditation, Cerco IT Training and Recruitment understands the importance of setting standards in IT Training: "Investing in a life-changing IT Training course is often a big commitment and many courses make promises they cannot deliver," says Cerco chairman Steven Emden. "To be accepted on Cerco's Fast Track training course, all students must first pass an online test and two further written tests, as well as attend a face-to-face interview with a Cerco advisor. This is to verify their commitment to the four-week training course, and to ensure their suitability for a career in IT support."

How to Spot Rogue Companies

Here are some key ways to spot rogue training providers:

1) If a company promises unrealistic salary expectations upon completion of a training course to students who have no previous work experience in the industry

2) If a company offers advanced qualifications to anyone who has the money without first testing them to see if they are suitable to undertake the training course suggested

3) If a company does not display the 'personally funded training accredited provider' logo.

Personally-Funded Training Buyer's Guide

The IITT provides its own guide for potential IT contractors seeking to purchase a training course. They list important questions that should be addressed when selecting a course, such as:

1. How long has the organisation been in business?
2. What is the refund policy?
3. What percentage of students complete the course?

While personally-funded training can be a valuable tool for progressing your career, choosing the right provider can make all the difference. Before making your decision, be sure to carry out in-depth research to check that the course you choose has been acknowledged by the IITT for their ethical sales practices and their high standards.

Article written in association with the IITT and Cerco IT Training and Recruitment.