Cisco training is designed for people who want to learn about network switches and routers. Routers join up networks of computers via the internet or lines dedicated for that purpose. It's likely that initially you should go for CCNA. Steer clear of going immediately onto the CCNP as it's a considerable step up - and you'll need the CCNA and experience first to take on this level.

You must have a good understanding of the operating and functioning of computer networks, because networks are linked to routers. If not, the chances are you'll fall behind. Better to first take a course in basic networking skills - perhaps Network+ and A+, before you start a CCNA course. Some companies will design a bespoke package for you.

The CCNA qualification is all you need at this stage - don't be pushed into attempting your CCNP for now. Get a couple of years experience behind you first, then you will have a feel for if this next level is for you. If it is, you'll be much more capable to succeed at that stage - because you'll know so much more by then.

It's clear nowadays: There's pretty much no personal job security anymore; there's only industry or business security - companies can just remove anyone when it meets the company's trade interests. It's possible though to reveal market-level security, by probing for areas of high demand, together with a shortage of skilled staff.

Looking at the computer industry, a recent e-Skills study demonstrated a 26 percent shortage in trained professionals. That means for every four jobs existing around Information Technology (IT), we have only 3 certified professionals to perform that task. This single truth alone is the backbone of why the United Kingdom requires considerably more workers to get trained and get into the IT industry. Undoubtedly, this really is such a perfect time for retraining into the computer industry.

Ensure all your certifications are current and also valid commercially - forget courses that only give in-house certificates. Unless your qualification is issued by a conglomerate such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco or Adobe, then chances are it will be commercially useless - because no-one will recognise it.

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