Pastures New! Promotion! Career! Prospects!
All words I'd come to forget 2 years ago! I was out of work, fast approaching 30 with 2 young children and my elderly grandmother to care for and had lost my lustre for life believing it to have past me by! I needed direction! It came in the form of skillstrain. A chance stop at the skillstrain website one evening, a single phone call, a single visit from an caring and knowledgeable skillstrain agent and I was on the road to recovery! I started studying on the 1st January with a new year's resolution to improve my life and thereby also improving those lives around me. With little IT background I was correctly advised to learn from the ground up with the excellent A+ with which I gained a solid understanding of the inner workings of a PC and the peripherals that went with one, hey now I can count in binary:0) I started to enjoy life once more and threw myself into study, while incorporating the school run, shopping, caring for my grandmother etc.. In this time I also got a part time job in a warehouse, it wasn't much but too me it was a big stepping stone to the future. Midway through the year I began the N+ and now things were hotting up and getting more difficult however this just made me more determined to study harder. During this time I was sending of tma's regularly and during the N+ getting more wrong than right! But with the excellent tutoring provided by the college staff via both phone, e-mail and notes made on the tma's I systematically improved and re-took any unsuccessful tma's until I got them right and more importantly understood where I had gone wrong.
So that brings me onto this year. How has skillstrain improved my life this year? Well at the start of the year I was still working in the warehouse and had just moved onto studying CCNA. I had been slowly gaining my confidence back and at this point, felt proud enough of myself to start sending out CV's and trying to sell myself and the new knowledge I had gained. It all came together in April this year, when I got an interview for a firstline systems helpdesk analyst. I was thrilled just to be getting an interview for this type of role, remembering how far I'd come. I got a call back for a second interview, where the IT manager was very impressed with the A+ and N+ on my CV and pleased to hear how the CCNA was coming along. A phone call later on the same day confirmed I'd got the job and beaten off some more experienced interviewees. The reason was simple, I had studied with a recognised institute in the IT field and that speaks volumes. All the same I realised the company has gone out on a limb employing someone with little real world experience, although the training at skillstrain is as close as you can get! So I threw myself into work as I had my studying and began to impress, which wasn't that hard because I'd had the best training and experience. I began feel comfortable using my learned knowledge and adding it to my new skills being learnt every day. After each day when work was over and I had made dinner for the children and bathed and put them too bed, I still made time to study, even for just a short while, not wanting to lose momentum even for a moment.
I began the second half of my CCNA midway through the year, all the time working as an analyst in a citrix environment dealing with basic password resets etc.. I knew if I kept at my study it would once again pay off.......It did! Recently our company has merged with another who provides managed services and now my company has formed a new Networking helpdesk called Service Management Centre (SMC) on which I have been promoted too as an Incident Manager (firstline escalation/2nd line), so will now be using my networking and CCNA skills on a daily basis.
When I think how far I've come from last year to this year and now from this year to next year, I wonder where I'll be in years to come.
From unemployed and unemployable, to Incident manager in 2 years.
Thank you Skills-Train and all the college staff involved who made it happen (you know who you are:0)
Merry Xmas and a Happy prosperous new year to all!
PS thank you also to all the inspirational stories wrote by skills-train students, I still take time to read them occasionally when I lose motivation, it never fails to put me back on the right path again:0)
PPS For those that have read this far;) I intend to take my CCNA final exam by February and will more than likely be knocking on skills-trains door asking about another course!
-Richard
After returning from travelling out in America and Canada visiting distant relatives, I found myself returning back home and back with no job. And with the money I earned whilst working out there now running out I found myself in a bit of a state.
I had spoke to a tutor before I went away a year and a half ago and with the exceptional lenience they gave me, I was luckily allowed to go out there and I was told my course wouldn't be affected and would still be there waiting for me to carry on as normal when I returned.
It would seem fate intervened me from returning to another dead job with no prospects, until I finished my course, when I returned my old job I met a new customer; who was soon to become my new boss.
He had just started a new I.T Solutions company. He was, like me, a computer lover and his company specialised in Web Site Design, Computer Repair and also Server Maintenance. When I told him I was looking for a job in something like this he asked me if I had any credentials. Unfortunately though, I had only just started my course and therefore had nothing to show. However, Rob gave me an opportunity to shine asking me to show just what I could do and what I knew and although there was and still a lot of things I was unaware of I was quick to show him my course syllabus. He took one look at it and was impressed with the syllabus and my test scores that he gave me chance and a job. I am so lucky because this will only benefit me in my course and in the real world of employment.
I have recently completed two new sites, including a charity for children with all types of illness and also a video media wedding production company. I couldn't have done this had I not signed up to do this course.
This is my story, it's been a long and scary year and half, this Christmas will certainly be better than the last and although the money would be very nice, it is not the main thing. I just wanted to take this time to thank you for lenience and kindness in this matter. I honestly am so grateful for this opportunity and this course I am studying as I truly do feel I am going somewhere in my life and career, even in this current time and state of the globe and its economics. So once again thank you!
-Allan
I started my cisco certified network associate (ccna) in January 2008 of which I have finished my a+ and I am about to answer the last part of my n+ (revision supplement part b). I started on a brilliant performance on most of my assignments which have really helped me in my work place. I worked as an inspector of the railway where most of my works require reports writing basically done on the computer.
I was in the office with my colleagues sometimes back in September this year where everyone was on the computer writing out their reports when suddenly the system lost its connection from the network server. Everyone was not happy about the incident. It was at this point, I said to myself I can be of relevant because none of them knew I have the knowledge. Most of them were about going home with a disappointment while I said to them if they could wait for some minutes in order to rectifying the problem.
I was told not to put myself in an unnecessary situation as there is no one that could resolve the problem among us. I said, well just bear with me for some minutes while they waited and see what I was up to. I started with one of the method I really love so much in troubleshooting network (asid) which is acquire, simplify, implement and document. I started by using the drivers that are on the drivers disk that were ships with the network interface card (nic). I make sure the driver is loaded and the protocols are bound. I test the nic adapter with the diagnostic utilities that often came with the driver installation. I make sure the network cable was securely attached at both rj45 connections (adapter and hub). I checked the led lights were on the nic and finally the system was up and running with the help of the administrator as well. My colleagues were all over praising me for a well done job.
I was overwhelmed by this achievement because; it was a huge success that was recognised by the managing director. I was nominated for the staff of the month and equally given a free day travel to any place of my choice paid for. I have attended some meetings with the managements and I have been told that, come the 19th of December this year, I shall be awarded with the best performance staff of the year. My colleagues have been coming for enquiries as to where I am receiving my lessons. I told them, it is from skills train computer training college. Some of them were looking forward to register in due course. I am very grateful for all the staff and my tutors for their unrelentless efforts to seeing me up till this stage of my course. The company has shown me there is a brighter future for me and I know that, this is just a stepping stone to a greater high in my life.
-Adeyinka
I have been working as Chef for 10 years now working in many top class restaurants in my local area. My working week consists of working 60 or more hours 7 days a week in two restaurants. In the 10 years of being a chef I have never spent a Christmas at home with the Family I have always worked.
Last year a Friend of mine told me about the skills train and he thought it was a great idea and gave me the number to call. 2 weeks later someone came out to visit me and after a chat and a small test he offered me a placement with them which of course I accepted.
I am only 1 third of the way through the course but thought I would set up a small business in October fixing and building computers. Not expecting to make much money to start with I decided to keep my jobs in the Kitchen. Little did I Realize the demand for my business as the calls flooded in and I soon had to turn away business so I decided to quit one of the jobs and on the 20th of December I will be leaving the catering industry for good.
I believe this all came because I made this call and wish to thank all the people that have helped me on the way.
I am thoroughly looking forward to spending all the Christmas period with my family this year and many more to come.
Thank you Skills train
-Jonathan
I started my studying in January 2007. At the time I was working a job I despised, for very low wages. I was medically discharged from the British Army several months before, and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I received an email about Skills Train, (I still to this day don't know how I got on the mailing list!) and decided to look into it further.
When the agent came to my house, I was worried about the cost. He told me to take a few days and do some research about Cisco and what sort of job roles required a CCNA. When I realised how much employers were willing to pay people with the qualification, I immediately decided to take the course.
Six months after I started, I was offered a job in a data centre; I had not yet completed any of my qualifications and did not expect to hear back from them. When I started the job, I was happy for the first time in my employment career! I got a £7000 pay increase over my previous job, along with putting everything I had learnt into practice. It soon became clear that I knew more about computers than I thought, and quickly became one of the more senior members of the support team. The highlight of this was when a colleague who had a degree in computer studies began to ask me how to do things!
Now, 12months on, I am coming to the end of my studies. I am currently working in another data centre as a trainee networks engineer. The level of knowledge within the operations team is immense, I feel very proud that I was chosen to become part of that team. I am very happy in my career. As a direct result of taking the training with Skills Train, my wages have increased enough to cover my fees 3 times over!
-Samuel
I am very pleased to study with skillstrain for several reasons:
The first reason I can study anywhere in the world I just need to have my classes and a computer.
The second reason I live in UK and I will leave for the Christmas 2008 in France to join my family, this is possible because with skillstrain I am free to plan what a time of the day I can study, what the days of the week and what the weeks of the month I can study. That gives me full freedom of movement and flexibility in my schedule. So I can schedule to go spend two weeks with my family in France for an excellent Christmas.
The third reason at anytime of my stay in France with skillstrain I can study on the internet, and I can make my TMA and send them, without pressure or coercion specifically.
The fourth, during this period I can join my tutor team at anytime for advice and explanations about my course, is wonderful, isn't it. There are many other reasons that I cannot list because of the limited space and so I would not write a newspaper or a book.
Sincerely and in all honesty I can say in conclusion I love skillstrain for all these benefits and I thank you for accepting me as a student and giving me the opportunity to have a better Christmas than the last.
Thank you again.
-Goneta
After having to leave university to stay home and become my partners full time carer, due to her having cancer. I thought my career and professional life was over.
At the age of just 22 I didn't know how my life was going to work out until I seen an advertisement for skills train. After reading the information on the skills train web site I couldn't believe my eyes! I could work from home and be able to achieve a qualification that would set me and my partner up for life. A profession that is well sought after and I could do it.
So I decided to take the Web design course and fell in love with it, everyday I'm learning something new and exciting!. I'm able to leave it for periods of time if my partner goes into hospital and pick it back up were I left off. I'm able to use what I learn in everyday life whether it's helping a friend or family member out or for me when it comes to me been able to use my skills online.
I would just like to thank skills train for giving me this opportunity that I believe I wouldn't find else were. I just wish I new about you when I was 16.
-Emma
SKILLSTRAIN HAS HELPED ME TO FULFIL MY DREAM
Back in 1994 I applied for a place to study computer science in the university but I was not successful. I thought I would no longer be able achieve the goal I had set for myself since I became aware of computing and the incredible way it can revolutionalize things. I studied Industrial Chemistry and went on to work for four different organisations from 2000 to 2008. In 2006 my friend introduced me to Skillstrain and he told me how I can still fulfil my dream if I was really determined to do so. We looked and the pros and cons and I gave Skillstrain a call, a representative came to my house in Hertfordshire. I took and passed a short test and I signed for the CIW course. We also spoke about the course tuition and a loan was secured for me. I submitted my first tutor marked assignment in January 2007 and the last one for the course yesterday, 27th November 2008. Now I have an incredible sense of fulfilment.
Wait until I tell you this bit of my story. Shortly after I started the CIW course, my interest in IT increased. My colleagues at work noticed this and were asking me to help them more often to troubleshoot minor failures in the office. I am delighted to have saved my employers money by doing most of their IT related business in-house even though it was not part of my job specification. Early this year, they wanted me to be the head of IT department but I had made up my mind to go for a masters programme in information systems. In December 2007 I used my progress report and syllabus from Skillstrain to apply to the University of Aberdeen and was accepted on their Master of Information Systems course. I will graduate in January 2009. I already have a better paid job than what I used to have and I now have better career prospects. My former employers have inundated me with calls wanting me to return after graduation and the good news is that I would be negotiating from a position of strength. I have also been invited by an IT company to be one of its directors. I would be combining my MBA, MSc Information Systems and Web Design skills from Skillstrain to contribute to the growth of the company.
I am also delighted to complete a self-paced study which I have been able to combine with work, a masters course which is so demanding and family commitments. We had a baby born to us in December 2007 and this required so much of my attention as well. It has been very challenging but worthwhile. It is amazing how I have been able to do all these without breaking down. It must be something I really love. Now I am happier, confident and so fulfilled.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank my tutor team for supporting me throughout this course and to Skillstrain for securing the loan which paid for the course. Without this loan, I would never have come this far.
-Ishaku
I have been in a dead end job for the past 2 years, stacking shelves, carrying customer's heavy purchases and constantly being nice even to the most obnoxious customers. I had finished my A+, but found that not company would still hire me. So I started on my MCSA and this has seemed to open doors, even though I'm only a fifth of the way through. I have recently got a job because the can see that I'm working towards goals. The job is in digital signage and interactive media, the knowledge I have gained from skillstrain has helped me get my dream job. Just in time for their xmas party too. Merry Christmas skillstrain.
-Christopher
Although I am only half way through my CompTIA A+ and N+ course I have already secured a fantastic work experience opportunity with my local college. At long last I can see an end to the endless search for the next 'contract' to keep me in work. I May have not reached any sort of career wage position but already I am seeing doors start to open for me. The biggest thing for me is one word and that is HOPE, and hope for someone who has spent their whole working life in a different but dying industry. Thank you Skills Train, only 50% through my course and I me starting to reap the rewards.
-Graham
Hello
I began my course what seems like a life time ago now, with how much has changed in my life since then.
I am determined to finish my Web Design course and gain my qualification, despite the obstacles in my way.
As I am physically disabled with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Since adding this course to my list of Skills I have been employed by International Business Machines or IBM
IBM have offered me the opportunity to continue to learn new Web Design skills after I finish this course as they were very impressed I had undertaken such a complex course and hope to then use their resources to ensure taking this course was worth the time and effort put into it by me and the tutor team
This support from an entire network of people has enabled me to move into my own flat, take driving lessons and get my first car
So I would like to thank everyone for their help to me, and I think this story goes to show that being brave and changing one aspect of your life, like joining a course with Skills Train, can have more rewards than first thought!
-Caroline
Studying with SkillsTrain is definitely going to make this Christmas even better than the last for many reasons. Starting this course has put a new perspective on my life so it has made my life in general much better than before in the whole year and not just at Christmas time.
It's been more than a year since I signed up for this course and because of ill-health I was forced to put it on hold. It was quite unsure whether I would make it to today yet alone be given the opportunity to see it to Christmas this year. Since my recovery, I have taken a different approach to life in general and completing this course is at the very top of my priority list. Last Christmas I wasn't even aware that it was Christmas and so it all passes in a blur.
My continuing study with SkillsTrain is definitely going to make this Christmas better than the last because among other things it means I have another chance at life and also another opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable of doing anything I want to. Even though my kids and I May not have material things, the true spirit of Christmas will remain alive in our hearts because we are together. They continue to encourage me to finish this course because they know that upon completion we will reap the benefits.
I remember when I was signing up for this course and while I sat there at the kitchen table all I wanted to do was cry because I had recently moved to this country with my husband and kids. Very soon afterwards he moved out leaving me to fend for myself and kids in a strange land. I was pure chance I came across SkillsTrain and only by sheer determination that I had decided to sign up. All that seems like a lifetime ago and I am grateful for the meaning SkillsTrain brought back to my life when I felt like giving up, especially since it was round about Christmas time when it all fell apart for us.
I couldn't provide for us because I wasn't in a very well-paying job. I am especially thankful at this time of the year because even though I haven't gained my qualifications yet, the knowledge I have gained so far has enabled me to get a promotion before I fell ill. I now have more money to spend this Christmas and my kids and I are together and can now look forward to enjoying a much better Christmas this year than last year.
I know that upon gaining my qualification I can look forward to even better things and many more wonderful Christmases with my kids. Even though most people take a break at this time of year, I intend to persevere throughout because studying with SkillsTrain is part of the reason I am here and a huge part of why I look forward to each day.
-Monica
SkillsTrain College… Web design… Life design
We came to England 3 years ago in order to make life better for my children. I had studied English many years ago in a secondary school so at first, I was busy with the English course improving my linguistic skills. One year later after completing ESOL English level two I decided to try something completely new for me. I have the University diploma in Business management but it does not work in England because it is a Latvian one. Knowing that God has gifted me equally with creative and logical thinking I started searching for information regarding Web design course. I want to say that SkillsTrain College appeared to be the most active in recruiting the new students. As a result of this I began my Web design course in 2006 neither having any concept about it nor good computing skills.
Doing this course seemed to be an exiting and promising experience for me although my Latvian friends were quite sceptical pointing at my age (mmm…, yeh, I am 51) and nationality… I also had to revise my budget one more time because I am a lone parent with three dependants. However, now way, to accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.
Oh, the first “mile stone” came faster then it supposed to be! When I got my course material and wanted to dive deeply into learning I stuck and could not even find Windows Explorer on my PC. Laughter through tears!!! What does such a stupid woman want to do at web design course?!...This was the only time when I rung to the tutor team to say that I have enrolled into the wrong college…and asked to switch me off… I was advised to make my request in a written form… I did not give up because I am stubborn from my childhood (this was my mum's opinion).
When I opened TMA's CD for the first time, I realized that I was right deciding to keep going. Surprisingly, it was design of CD with music on the background which rose feelings in me that I belong to this college.
Recently I have completed my last TMA. Now I am looking forward to taking an exams and getting a Web designer qualification. During this time my confidence and computing skills have grown up from almost a zero to a decent height. My friends used to rely on my knowledge when they need any advice regarding security issues over the Internet or just ask simply questions related to the computing. My children get used to living in an educational environment from an early morning to the late evening. We all were very happy and proud when I managed to write a simple program in Perl and got 100% marked TMA. Honestly, it was a big achievement for me. The most exiting part of the course is a web design…I am loosing a sense of time when I am in it.
I realise that I am only at the beginning of the journey. There are many things I have to achieve to become a really good web designer. I like that web design never gets boring and static, but it is an ever developing and changing environment. The truth is that the man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after. I love being creative and feeling that my brain is working. I would like to contribute my skills, knowledge and experience to this country because my family has been very welcomed in England and we are blessed by English people in many ways. One of those blessings for me is being a part of SkillsTrain College students' world. The coming Christmas is going to be a Big Mile Stone in my life- completing a course and preparing myself for exams. Moreover, doing this course, my personality has been changed from uncertain newcomer to one who is willing to overcome difficulties and gain skills that are in demand. Now I see that studying at web design course has been in harmony with my desires so I have really been fulfilled with joy and satisfaction moving forwards the course step by step.
I am very grateful to all the tutors for their patience and understanding. I wish them to have the best students in the world.
I wish a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all the SkillsTrain College students and the College staff! Do not let the grass grow under our feet!
-Aija
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