IT Training Methodology

Across the globe we’re witnessing an ever increasing dependency on IT systems and the services we expect from them. Society is becoming more and more familiar with IT functions and terminology, but are we really becoming more proficient with the systems? We need to ask the question “Is my knowledge increasing at the same rate as the developments within the industry?” for if not, then surely I’m falling behind.

Obviously, no one person can know everything about everything. The above question needs to be placed into context, such as Networking or Dreamweaver if that’s my chosen industry or specialist subject. The critical factors surely must be the pertinence of the knowledge as the driving force, not necessarily the breadth of knowledge.

I’m reminded of the story where the owner of a large tanker had consistent issues with the engines of his ship, and often had to bring in ‘specialist’ engineers to fix the problems every time they berthed at ports around the world. Whilst trying different methods to resolve the challenge, the owner of the tanker was becoming more and more frustrated.

Finally when they berthed at a port in South America he remembered an old friend of his who, being a fully qualified engineer, had an exceptional talent for fixing and maintaining marine engines, so he asked if he could help. His friend arrived and proceeded down to the engine bays. After a period of time listening to the engines he walked around and tapped a few pipes with his spanner, finally moving to a valve which he adjusted 25 degrees clockwise. Immediately the engines settled down and the problem was resolved.

The following day the owner’s pal returned with an invoice for $10,000. The owner was horrified by the size of the invoice, particularly as all he had to do was to turn a valve. So he asked his old friend for a breakdown, hoping for a reduction. The next day the engineer returned with the breakdown as follows – For time spent onboard to solve the problem – a special rate to a friend, $1. For knowing where to tap and which valve to turn, $9,999.

Surely this reminds us that all knowledge must be fit for purpose, and therefore equally the techniques and methodology of training must fit the same criteria. Within a fast-paced industry such as IT, the reliance upon traditional training techniques, such as classroom environments and staid teaching skills, surely is at odds with the buoyancy of the industry itself.

Whilst I’m not putting down IT teachers, there is a concern where it’s left to the individual to keep their knowledge as cutting-edge and pertinent as possible. I can sympathise with the difficulties in maintaining this if a person isn’t exposed to the latest industrial developments, as those who are working within Microsoft directly are.

The reverse applies to students, who are voracious in seeking access to the latest techniques, terms and thoughts wherever possible. As such, any system that can offer 24 hour direct or indirect access to the thoughts and knowledge of the leaders in the industry would be pertinent to both teachers and students.

Moving into the working environment, many owners of IT systems expect their IT support teams to do more than manage and maintain the integrity of the systems, to protect the business interests. They also look to them to provide strategic support and advice, to ensure that decisions regarding IT procedures, hardware and operating system procurement provide a business edge, and keep the company ahead of its competitors within their particular field.

When considering the options for development within IT either as a career change, start of career or furthering ones future within the industry, one of the key factors has been the increasing attraction of the professional qualifications. It benefits from the same overall factors as the Aviation industry in that a common language and format is fairly dominant throughout.

Students looking to maximise their employability long-term will be favoured by adopting the approaches and methods of the industry heavyweights. This will make them attractive to a wider range of employers – in both the short term and long term. Certifications recognised by industry leaders (such as the MCSE or MCSA) that have legitimacy across industry sectors and geographical boundaries remain a prudent choice when considering a level of insurance in today’s economic climate.

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