Congratulate yourself that you're on the right track! A small number of workers say they enjoy their work, but vast numbers complain to each other and take no action. The fact that you're here means it's likely that you're at least considering retraining, so well done to you. What comes next is discover where you want to go and get going.

Before embarking on a course, look for some advice - find an industry expert; someone who'll give you career advice based on what works best for you, and offer only the courses that will suit you:

* Would you like to work with others? If the answer's yes, would you enjoy being part of a team or do you want to meet lots of new people? Or are you better working in isolation?

* What ideas are fundamental regarding the industry you're looking to get into?

* Do you want this to be a one off time that re-training is necessary?

* Is it important for your study to be in an industry where you're comfortable you'll have a job until retirement?

We ask you to have a good look at the IT sector - there are increasingly more jobs than people to do them, plus it's one of the few choices of career where the sector is expanding. Contrary to the opinions of certain people, IT is not full of nerdy individuals staring at their computers the whole time (though those jobs exist.) Most positions are filled by people like you and me who want to earn a very good living.

A ridiculously large number of organisations only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and completely avoid the reasons for getting there - getting yourself a new job or career. Always start with the final destination in mind - don't make the vehicle more important than the destination. It's unfortunate, but thousands of new students kick-off study that often sounds amazing from the sales literature, but which provides a job that is of no interest at all. Speak to a selection of university leavers to see what we mean.

It's a good idea to understand the exact expectations industry will have. Which particular certifications you'll be required to have and how you'll build your experience level. It's also worth spending time thinking about how far you'd like to build your skill-set as often it can force you to choose a particular set of exams. Before setting out on a particular learning programme, it's good advice to chat over individual career needs with a professional advisor, to ensure the learning program covers everything needed.

Ask a professional advisor and you'll be surprised by their many horror stories of students who've been sold completely the wrong course for them. Stick to an experienced industry professional who digs deep to find out what's appropriate to you - not for their wallet! It's very important to locate an ideal starting-point that fits you. If you've got a strong background, or perhaps a bit of commercial experience (some industry qualifications maybe?) then it's more than likely your starting level will be different from someone with no background whatsoever. Where this will be your opening attempt at an IT exam then you may want to start out with user-skills and software training first.

Proper support should never be taken lightly - ensure you track down something offering 24x7 direct access to instructors, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hamper your progress. Look for training with proper support available at all hours of the day and night (no matter if it's in the middle of the night on a weekend!) Ensure you get direct-access to qualified mentors and tutors, and not simply some messaging service that means you're parked in a queue of others waiting to be called back during office hours.

The very best training providers utilise several support facilities active in different time-zones. Online access provides the interactive interface to provide a seamless experience, at any time you choose, help is just seconds away, without any problems or delays. Don't under any circumstances take less than this. Direct-access 24x7 support is the only viable option for technical learning. Perhaps you don't intend to study during the evenings; usually though, we're at work when traditional support if offered.

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