Adobe Dreamweaver is the starting point of study for almost all web designers. It is probably the favourite environment for web development on the planet.

To facilitate Dreamweaver professionally in web design, a full understanding of the entire Adobe Web Creative Suite (which includes Flash and Action Script) is without doubt a bonus. Having such skills means, you can go onto become either an Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) or an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE).

To become a well-rounded web professional however, you’ll have to get more diverse knowledge. You’ll be required to have knowledge of some programming essentials like HTML, PHP and MySQL. A firm grounding in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and E-Commerce will help when talking to employers.

Student support is absolutely essential – find a program that provides 24×7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also impede your ability to learn.

Find a good quality service where you can access help at any time of the day or night (irrespective of whether it’s the wee hours on Sunday morning!) Ensure you get 24×7 direct access to mentors and instructors, and not simply some messaging service that means you’re constantly waiting for a call-back – probably during office hours.

As long as you look hard, you will find professional companies that provide their students direct-access online support 24×7 – even in the middle of the night.

Look for a trainer that is worth purchasing from. As only true round-the-clock 24×7 support truly delivers for technical programs.

Don’t forget: the training course or an accreditation is not the ultimate goal; the particular job that you want is. A lot of colleges seem to completely prioritise the certificate itself.

Don’t be part of that group who set off on a track which looks like it could be fun – only to end up with a qualification for something they’ll never enjoy.

You need to keep your eye on where you want to go, and then build your training requirements around that – don’t do it the other way round. Keep your eyes on your goals and ensure that you’re training for a career that’ll reward you for many long and fruitful years.

We recommend that students seek guidance and advice from an experienced advisor before you begin a particular study path, so there’s little doubt that the specific package will give the skills necessary.

Commercial qualifications are now, most definitely, already replacing the traditional routes into the industry – so why should this be?

Industry now acknowledges that to learn the appropriate commercial skills, the right accreditation from such organisations as Adobe, Microsoft, CISCO and CompTIA most often has much more specialised relevance – saving time and money.

In essence, only that which is required is learned. It isn’t quite as lean as that might sound, but the most important function is always to cover the precise skills needed (with some necessary background) – without overdoing the detail in every other area (as universities often do).

Assuming a company knows what areas they need covered, then all they have to do is advertise for someone with a specific qualification. Syllabuses are set to exacting standards and can’t change from one establishment to the next (as academic syllabuses often do).

The perhaps intimidating chore of landing your first IT job can be made easier by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. But don’t place too much emphasis on it – it’s easy for their marketing department to make too much of it. Ultimately, the still growing need for IT personnel in this country is what will enable you to get a job.

However, what is relevant is to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; also we would encourage all students to update their CV as soon as training commences – don’t put it off until you’ve graduated or passed any exams.

It’s not unusual to find that you’ll secure your initial job while you’re still a student (occasionally right at the beginning). If you haven’t updated your CV to say what you’re studying – or it’s not getting in front of interviewers, then you don’t stand a chance!

Normally you’ll get quicker service from a specialist independent regional employment service than any course provider’s centralised service, as they will be more familiar with the area and local employers.

Certainly be sure that you don’t spend hundreds of hours on your training and studies, and then just stop and imagine someone else is miraculously going to secure your first position. Stand up for yourself and start looking for yourself. Put the same focus into getting the right position as you did to gain the skills.

(C) Jason Kendall. Browse LearningLolly.com for the best career tips. www.learninglolly.com or CLICK HERE.