[JabberUK]

Hi All,

I have been speaking to one of the learn direct companies in the UK. They are suggesting I study for the CIW Website Design Manager qualifciation. They tell me that after 12 months studying (10 hrs per week), I will have no problems finding work. Can anyone advise on this?

Thanks

JabberUK

[etaf]

the best advice I can give is to
1) have a look at job websites and see what employers are looking for from candidates. (theres a lot of sites available for uk)
2) phone up an agency or two and discuss you career aspirations and they should be able to advise.

good luck

[JabberUK]

Thanks Etaf,

Do you know of any good websites that can offer good career advice for someone in his 30s looking for a career change?

JabberUK

[etaf]

loads out there
also have a look in some computing magazines - computer weekly/computing etc + news papers

topjobs
cwjobs
monster jobs
theres hundreds and hundreds for IT
search on google

[etaf]

also if you have a chat with some agencies they would be best placed for career advice.

I dont think its ever to late to change careers however, understanding the current market place and trying to guess what the market will be after in a years time will help you with your choices.

identify your key skills what do you have thats transferable from your old career.

also be aware a lot of programming is moving abroad - a large number of companies are offshoring IT.

post this back to your thread and then others can advise.


Quote:
I like the programming side of computers.


what does that mean - give some examples

[JabberUK]

Yes, I have tried agencies. All they seem to want to do is put me in touch with the likes of Computeach. I am Professional buyer at the moment and I would like to move into working for myself as a consultant / software designer advising on purchasing/stock control. I have designed Access databases but I have only played with C++ and Visual Basic so far but have a good understanding of IT. I am going to be off work for upto 12 months and this could be a great opportunity to do something that I would like.

JabberUK

[etaf]

thats a shame - well you seem to have a good idea on what you want -
have you tried searching for jobs with keywords of programmer, consultant , purchasing stockcontrol and see if there are any jobs in that area and then talk to those agencies.
also who are the big players in this market - JD edwards I seem to recall (name maybe wrong) - or try and find some consultants working in this area and have a chat to them.

with your contacts in buying do you know what systems are currently being used again who the players are.

I'm not sure which forum to put this in
you could try pm some of the moderators and asking there advice.

I just tried a search of google with these words
purchasing stockcontrol consultants programmers jobs
and got
http://www.bjdgroup.com/frm_ex_lnk.asp?lnk=34
http://www.tiptopjob.com/tiptop/lin...nology_jobs.htm

edit:
I ould also expect the systems to also make use of web technology -
so things like
SQL, ASP, PHP, webdesign,
have a look at learningtree course details - they cover a lot of IT
http://www.learningtree.co.uk/

have a look at training companies and see what there courses consist of and how booked up they are that will give you a clue - to whats in demand.

There also some companies who provide support for career changes - specifically when people have been made redundant - maybe worth a call - although these may be more focused on CV - interviews - transferable skills etc.