How to get into the IT industry as a technician?

[SlowStig]

I am hoping that somebody on here can help me with this, I left univerisity last year after spending 2 years learning nothing and teaching my classmates everything and started doing my CISCO CCNA qualification.

I am trying to get into the IT industry as either a technician or just genenrally building/configuring computers for a company. I have been working with computers for about 10-12 years and volunteered with a local primary school helping with the technician there but I am after full time work which pays me but seems whatever I try and apply for I dont ever hear anything back from. Is there any companies or hints and tips people on here could offer me?

I live in the North West but commuting to Liverpool/Preston and possibly Manchester is an option if the fuel costs wont cost me a small forune.

[ben_h100]

Perhaps start with local ads, fixing peoples PCs and laptops? Bespoke builds? Something to keep you ticking over until a permanent job comes along.

[NorthDave]

When I did this years ago I worked for a company called P&P in Haslingden (no defunct) who sold computers to large companies. Did just long enough in their config department to get another job. It isn't particularly skilled work but you do get exposure to a lot of different hardware.

Don't know if there is anything like that in the NW now but it might be worth a go?

[andy-xr]

Go to a reseller, there might not be hundreds but there are scores of them in your area.

[TooLateForAName]

TBH I'd be looking to see if you can finish your degree.

Frankly I'd actively avoid employing someone who has dabbled for years but has no qualification or real world experience. They generally have huge holes in their knowledge and are over confident ie they cause more problems than they are worth.

[SlowStig]

TooLateForAName said:

TBH I'd be looking to see if you can finish your degree.

Frankly I'd actively avoid employing someone who has dabbled for years but has no qualification or real world experience. They generally have huge holes in their knowledge and are over confident ie they cause more problems than they are worth.

If I am honest, my degree ended up being a waste of time so would have to start over from the beginning as I would never go back to my previous university. I have got some experience in the field which I am wanting to go into and I also am well aware of my limitations, hense why I am doing my CISCO CCNA qualification but I was hoping to get a job whilst I am doing it so I can put what I am learning into practice.

[daz3210]

Don't know if it helps at all, but years ago I looked at doing either a Microsoft or Novell qualification (couldn't decide which). A local firm told me not to unless I had a job in the field, since the knowledge NEEDS to be backed up by practical skills.