Further training (IT - MSCA/MCSE)while not working...

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BONDGIRL

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Hello all,
I was made redundant end of Nov. I am currently on illness benefit but I am hoping to get off this by March! In the meantime as I am not housebund, I think I could do further training. I am interested to get MCSE/MCSA under my belt. I have always wanted to do it, but never found the time...
Does anyone know where I could do this during the day? I have some redundancy money so I can invest it in myself. Is it ok to do a training course while on sick benefit? I want to make sure I dont get into trouble.
Or did the likes of FAS etc offer these but do I have to be on JS to get into one of these? I don't want to waste time here, just get the course going and get myself well and working again!!!!!!!
 
I think Ashfield Training may do it during the day, definitely have offered Sat. courses in the past.
 
Costs about 4K with New Horizons in Galway - seems like a good setup. Online training, mentor, virtual machines to play around on etc . But if you want you can do the first two modules via FAS' www.ecollege.ie. Might be able to get this free if you are on illness benefit.
 
would be good to not have to pay4k! I was thinking more like 2k max.
I will ring up FAS on Monday, see what they can offer? Probably most of their courses are booked up!
 
Which is the more difficult to get in the end MCSE or MCSA?
I am going to start with MCP in XP.
 
the courses are online via their ecollge....so you do it at your own time so spaces should not be an issue. You could do the first two modules and then see if you want to pay more to do the remainder. FAS might also help with funding - discuss with them.
 
Has anyone tried doing this kind of thing on-line? i.e.home study?
 
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picassoman - Just seen your post, great mind think alikes and all that..
Grand I will see what their prices are- studying athome would be much better for me at the moment anyway. I will ring fas, I was sure if you are on the sick you woldnt get courses and they might say hey if you can do course get to work LOL
 
BONDGIRL said:
Has anyone tried doing this kind of thing on-line? i.e.home study?
Click to expand...
I did mcp via homestudy a good few years ago. The only thing I paid for were the exam fees and the cert. Plenty of resources out there to assist with study for IT related stuff.

Its also possible (or at least it used to be) to do a couple of CompTia certs (eg. A+, Network +, Server +) - which contribute towards the MCP. Might be a good option to start with these.
 
Thanks Albacorea, as I have used xp, windows server etc for YEARS practically, its jst about studying the info and studying the exams!!! need to do these!!!
 
Are you doing these to improve your chances of getting a job ? Do you have the experience and want to get the corresponding certification ?

Just wondering cause I'm not sure about the return on time / investment. Did search on jobs in the west and not many require an MCSA or MCSE. I think for an MCSE you need to work in a large company to use all the skills required as part of the MCSE.

Not sure what its like elsewhere
 
pciassoman, I have been a good few job adverts list them... I am looking for work in dublin, well not yet, but I will be... I defo think at least I should pass a MCP at this stage... But I know what you mean, will they even benefit me in the long run.
I would love to do some sort of course in Management. I was a team leader over 5 IT staff and would love to keeo going in that direction and think maybe that would be better place to start.. dont really want to get back into a techical positiion myself ie.network administrator etc. I liked running a good team!
 
If that is the case then its a lot of time and possibly money to spend if its not the area you want to work in. If you can get the two FAS modules for free then thats great but after that maybe consider a course in the direction of management before you start spending money. With the MCSA and MCSE you do have to keep them up to date as well.
 
Romulan said:
I think Ashfield Training may do it during the day, definitely have offered Sat. courses in the past.
Click to expand...

I think Ashfield folded a couple of months back. I used to do work for these guys and could recommend them: http://www.sureskills.com/it_training_services.aspx

or either: [broken link removed]
 
Thankspicassoman
Frequent Poster
.
New Horizons called me back and after 30mins chat, she suggested I get into ITIL Service Management. I have foundations done... basically new version you can do module one at a time and then exam, suits me,. waiting for more into.. looked a few jobs onet and defo this would be huge advantage to me!!! ThanksP.
 
BONDGIRL said:
pciassoman, I have been a good few job adverts list them... I am looking for work in dublin, well not yet, but I will be... I defo think at least I should pass a MCP at this stage... But I know what you mean, will they even benefit me in the long run.
I would love to do some sort of course in Management. I was a team leader over 5 IT staff and would love to keeo going in that direction and think maybe that would be better place to start.. dont really want to get back into a techical positiion myself ie.network administrator etc. I liked running a good team!
Click to expand...
Theres not so many jobs for box tickers nowadays i know quite a few project managers sitting on the dole queue.
Its worth at least keeping up your skills as something to fall back on.
 
Thanks Q,
Yes I just want to keep myself ticking over while enjoy time off with my child too...
 
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