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Lee finds a new challenge

I would recommend Computeach to anyone with an interest in IT and ambition to improve their career prospects. With the current skills shortage impacting the industry, Computeach provide both the qualification and practical experience that is essential to get a foot in the door.

Lee's background

Lee Barnet is 29 and from Stafford. For nine years Lee worked in the engineering sector but began to find it difficult to get work in what he describes as a dying industry. With a young family to support Lee took on a second job, as a bar doorman, to supplement his income.

Reassessing his situation

After working extremely long hours and feeling unfulfilled in his work, Lee realised that he needed more of a challenge and a career with prospects. Lee has always had an interest in computers and made the decision to combine his personal interest with a new career. After seeing an advert on the TV, Lee contacted Computeach and discussed his situation with an experienced career consultant, who provided him with all the information he needed to get started.

What about his previous commitments?

Lee knew he would have to fund his course himself and couldn't afford to stop working to study full time. Lee chose Computeach because he would be able to continue working, and earning money, at the same time as retraining for a career in IT. The fact that Lee would be able to maintain his full time employment, due to the distance learning structure of the course, acted as a real incentive for him. The flexibility of distance learning meant that Lee would only need to attend the training centre in person to sit exams three times per year. The rest of Lee's studying would be done online in the comfort of his own home at a time that fitted in with his routine.

New Direction

Lee started a part time Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA A plus) course in September 2007 and is currently working towards attaining an industry recognised qualification. Within a week the recruitment team at Computeach found Lee a job with a local IT company. Lee now works as a service engineer, travelling around the country repairing laptops and PCs. The hours are long and he has had to take an initial drop in pay but understands that the experience he will get, accompanied with the qualification, will be priceless in an industry experiencing a skills shortage.

Lee comments, "The amount of study required is quite a lot and I do find it takes its toll on my personal life, but I know that it'll be worth it when I'm qualified. I usually study for about 10 hours a week and try to make sure I put time aside in the evenings, when my son's asleep.

"If I get stuck I chat to other Computeach students on the online forums or call my tutor for extra help and advice. I fund the course myself and have had to start working on the doors of a local nightclub a couple of nights a week to manage - but I'm confident the investment will pay off."

The Future...

Lee explains, "I would recommend Computeach to anyone with an interest in IT and ambition to improve their career prospects. With the current skills shortage impacting the industry, Computeach provide both the qualification and practical experience that is essential to get a foot in the door. After I finish my course I hope to move back to my hometown of Plymouth and get a job working in-house for a large company doing repairs and programming – hopefully the hours will be shorter and I'll finally be able to put my feet up once in a while!"