How do I start off?

[PeggleStar]

I currently have NVQ Levels 1 & 2 in I.T and alot of my knowledge in I.T has been trough playing about with computers. I do not currently have a job but would love one working in a school so what's the best way to go about it and move forward? I assume I would need to do a few more I.T courses first as I don't know much about networking or servers, can anyone suggest some courses that schools look for these days? I am from the midlands but don't mind traveling if the course is going to be worth while. My plan at the moment is to save a bit of money and start January next year but I need some ideas on where I would start off. Edited October 21, 2013 by PeggleStar

[psydii]

Read:

The Secrets of a Super Geek Which will help you understand why you need to read the following:

Windows 7 Resource Kit

Windows 2008 Resource Kit (specifically the Active Directory and Productivity volumes which will give you a feel for what is needed in IT OPs, and an appreciation why tools like Impero or System Centre are great)

The Practice of System and Network Administration

Windows Internals 6th Edition.

 

Adjacent to that, be familiar with standard IT Service Management, which in UK Education is FITS. This is an implementation of the widely recognised ITIL.

 

Then learn with the up to date technical stuff:

TechNet Virtual Labs

 

Building test labs and trying stuff out is the best way to learn.

 

However to get good employment you need a track record: Volunteer a few days a week in a team that needs manpower. Focus on meeting 'business needs'. Be consistently reliable. Ask questions. Never break a working system. Always have backups.

Edited October 21, 2013 by psydii

[SYNACK]

Ccna, networking is important and only vaguely covered by other courses.

[JoeBloggs]

I would start off with CompTIA A+ and Network+

[witch]

I would start looking for junior IT tech jobs in all geographical areas that you prepared to consider and see what they are looking for.

[PeggleStar]

I would start off with CompTIA A+ and Network+

 

Thank you, can you do these courses at a college?

[PeggleStar]

I would start looking for junior IT tech jobs in all geographical areas that you prepared to consider and see what they are looking for.

 

I often think about doing this but I would also consider voluntary work also if it was in the right job. If I did go down the voluntary route as an option, is it a matter of just contacting different schools in the area?

[JoeBloggs]

Thank you, can you do these courses at a college?

 

Many years ago I did A+ as an evening course at a College when I was at uni - so you may have to look around local Colleges and see what they have on offer