If it's Cisco training you're after, but you've not yet worked with routers or network switches, we'd recommend taking the Cisco CCNA qualification. This will give you the necessary skills to set up and maintain routers. The world wide web is built up of many routers, and national or international corporations with several locations also utilise routers to allow their networks of computers to communicate.

Routers connect to networks, so it is important to have an understanding of how networks operate, or you will be out of your depth with the qualification and not be able to understand the work. Look for a course that features the basics on networks (such as CompTIA) prior to starting your CCNA.

We'd recommend a tailored course that will take you through a specific training path prior to getting going on the Cisco CCNA.

Make sure you don't get caught-up, as a lot of students can, on the training process. Training for training's sake is generally pointless; you're training to become commercially employable. You need to remain focused on where you want to go. It's a terrible situation, but the majority of trainees commence training that sounds amazing from the sales literature, but which provides a job that is of no interest. Speak to a selection of university leavers to see what we mean.

You must also consider what your attitude is towards earning potential and career progression, and if you're ambitious or not. It makes sense to understand what will be expected of you, which particular accreditations are required and how you'll gain real-world experience. Have a conversation with an experienced industry advisor that knows about the sector you're looking at, and is able to give you a detailed run-down of what to expect in that role. Establishing this well before you start on any learning path has obvious benefits.

Most commercial training providers only provide office hours or extended office hours support; very few go late in the evening or at weekends. some companies only provide email support (slow), and phone support is often to a call-centre that will make some notes and then email an advisor - who will call back over the next day or so (assuming you're there), when it suits them. This is no good if you're stuck with a particular problem and only have a specific time you can study.

As long as you look hard, you will find professional training packages that recommend and use online support all the time - at any time of day or night. Never make do with less than you need and deserve. Direct-access 24x7 support is really your only option with IT training. It's possible you don't intend to study late evenings; usually though, we're at work at the time when most support is available.

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