Joskos Success Stories - Career Changers (2)

Neil Bizzel

I’m currently a freelance IT consultant working on an IT project for the National Health Project. I now own my own house, drive a nice sports car and can afford some of the nicer things in life. As a training provider Joskos have been very good. The quality of teaching was excellent, as a qualified teacher myself I was well placed to assess that and it was one of the first things I was looking for.

When I first started at Joskos I had to fit the training around my working life as a teacher. Because Joskos run evening classes that was a really convenient way for me to study. When I then moved to Sheffield, Joskos were able to supply me with study materials to take away so that I could look at the notes for the next course module before I came down. They were very helpful in assisting me in scheduling my course around my work.

At the end of the course, Joskos offered me the opportunity to do work experience in one of their projects, but it turned out I didn’t need that as I was able to move into a job straight away.

In the four years since I’ve left Joskos, the course has definitely paid for itself over and over, both in monetary terms and in other aspects of my life. It’s really changed my life.

June 2008

Imran Ali

I’ve started a new role within IT support. I found that when I went for the position and talked about my MCSE training, the interviewers had heard of Joskos and knew that they offered reputable training. This helped me land the role, and I’m really happy now that I’ve started this new job.

I feel really confident I can pass the rest of my exams and go on and fulfil my career.

I chose Joskos because I’d heard of their facilities and what they offer. A few of my friends had been to Joskos before and they found the facilities and training to be very helpful. I’d also heard of their reputation through colleagues and other training companies. After reviewing a few other training companies I could see that Joskos had better facilities and better training to offer.

I found the VLC to be a really useful learning tool. There are a lot of facilities on there such as learning documents, E-books, and forums. You can post topics if you are stuck with anything and read other people’s experiences of the exams and training so far. So it’s something that will really help you prepare for exams and your training for the future.

October 2006

Ladislas Noukpo

Joskos student Ladislas Noukpo proves that you can achieve your IT goals without an IT background if Joskos is there to assist you.

Ladislas told us his story:

“I’m originally from France. I moved to the UK five years ago with English as my second language. Before I came to the UK I was working in event promotion, and had absolutely no background in IT.

I’ve always liked gadgets and electronics, and I knew the IT industry was really stable, so I thought ‘Why not give it a try?’

I saw the Joskos advert on the back of a magazine with the phrase ‘No Experience Necessary’. It sounded like an opportunity as I had nothing to lose!

I started with Joskos in 2006, and earned my MCSA in 2007, 18 months after I began my training. The training was clear and practical and as I do not have a background in IT I felt the training was delivered for people with or without that background.

After I gained my MCSA, I found the IT support service company where I now work in the Yellow Pages. I phoned them up and after seven weeks of work experience with them, they were confident enough with what I was doing to offer me a job. I have been working there since November 2007 in 1st, 2nd and now 3rd line technical support.

I am on a wage of £18,000 which is pretty good for a first job! My confidence has gone through the roof.  I’m now 35, and I wanted a career change that Joskos was able to help with. It’s most important where you have been trained when you seek employment, and Joskos is an excellent good school to learn from.

What I learned was important when entering my new working environment because I have these fresh skills that the other people there may not have.

After just one year, I’ve already been offered another position with another IT maintenance company in Essex for a starting salary of £22,000 where I will be working as a Network Administrator supporting a school in a team of 3 people.

I’d recommend Joskos 100%, and I’m happy with the service I had from day one.
Without the training I received here I don’t think I would be able to do my job well. Everything I learnt at Joskos really helps my daily tasks in my current position.”

October 2008