Questions To Ask When Choosing IT Training

by Mike Walsh 

1.)    Does the training help you meet your career goals?

Do you need new skills or need to certify skills you already have?  What are your needs?  What assessments do you lack?  Did a similar training package enable others to gain what you seek?

2.)    How is the training delivered and is it appropriate?

Analyse the skills you need. Can they be learned over the web, correspondence or hands-on?  Be certain to match the delivery of training with the result you want.  There’s no point in reading about something that you then can’t do in practise.

3.)    What is the background of the trainers and company?

Academic trainers may be too theory based for hands-on real world skills.  Some accreditations can be bought.  Understand what the acronyms mean.

4.)    What is the pass rate?

           Companies should be up front about this. What have they based their published statistics on?100 per cent pass rates are excellent, but how many people have finished the course?

5.)    What is the drop out rate?

           This is especially relevant to distance learning. Find out if the training has a time limit.  Drop out rates   can be high if courses allow you to drift.

6.)    Who wrote the course?

           Is the course material tailored to your specific needs? Is it a generic programme available for any company to buy?  Do the trainers have input in the material they deliver?  How flexible is the package?

7.)    Does this training match my current level of experience?

Is this training suitable?  Don’t be tempted by promises of giant career leaps based on a single certificate or course.  Suitable training develops your career.

8.)    What exactly does employment/career help mean?

This varies widely. Will you gain advice on CV writing, interview tips, etc.?  Are they additional to the training? Is the qualification supposed to be your sales tool or is the company out there working for you too?

9.)    Is the course open to anyone?  What is the acceptance rate?

Exactly what are the entry standards for the course?  How specialist is it?  Do you need to provide proof of industry experience before parting with your money?

10.) Can I sample the training?

Some companies actively promote this – some don’t.  Don’t be afraid to ask if a sample is not offered.  Will you have to share computers?  What is the instructor to student ratio?  What will this be like if I start on Monday?

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