Jobs

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So you want to be in IT?

If you are looking for a new career, then there is no better choice than IT.

Over the past five years IT job opportunities have increased by 50 per cent.

Why IT?
Because IT is the largest industry in the world. If you go into ten companies anywhere in the world, out of that ten how many of them do you think would be using Microsoft products at some level? That's right, probably all ten of them. So by training for a career in IT you increase your employment potential enormously because you can work in any industry without needing experience specific to it.

How long will it take to complete my course?
IT is so varied - as varied as the levels of IT skills you want or need.  The duration of the courses can range from evening or part-time classes in colleges to working on the computer from home with the help of a tutor on the phone or over the web. And of course IT courses can go to degree level and above.

How can I gain employment without experience?
A multitude of courses exist out there and consist of commercial and vocational qualifications. Especially at established institutions and college the course will involve project based work. This project work counts as work experience with employers as it shows the person's ability to do the job, not just to pass an exam. Although you won't receive the same level of pay on work experience it allows you to test out a job or profession and is often used by companies as a recruitment pool to get future candidates when jobs come up. A lot of colleges and training providers have a student work experience initiative where we contact UK businesses offering the services of suitably qualified students to work on specific projects for them.

Am I guaranteed to get a job at the end of my course?
Although IT is the largest industry in the world, no one can make guarantees about employment and you should be extremely wary of any training provider that makes such claims. But it is perhaps one of the best, if not the best industry, to ensure that you do gain employment now and in the future.

For more information on IT courses at Southwark College
- visit www.southwark.ac.uk or call 0207 815 1600