It's really great that you're reading this article! Just ten percent of people say they enjoy their work, but the majority just go off on one from time to time and do nothing. As you've reached this page it's probable that you've a personal interest in re-training, so even now you're ahead of the game. Take your time now to find out more and then take action.

We'd strongly advise that in advance of taking a training course, you have a conversation with someone who knows the industry and can give you advice. The right person will be able to assess your personal likes and dislikes and help you find your ideal job to train for:

* Are you happier left to your own devices at work or perhaps being around others is an essential criteria for you?

* What do you need from the market sector you work in? (If it's stability you're after, you might think twice about banks or the building industry right now.)

* How long a career do you hope to have once retrained, and can the industry you choose offer you the chance to do that?

* Is it important for the course you're re-training in to be in an industry where you're comfortable you'll have a job until your pension kicks in?

The most significant market sector in the UK to tick all of the above boxes is Information Technology. There's a shortage of qualified people in the industry, simply have a look at a local job site and there'll be a long list. Don't let people tell you it's all nerdy people gazing towards theirscreens all day - there are loads more jobs than that. Most of the people in IT are people of average intelligence, with jobs they enjoy and better than average salaries.

Look at the following facts very carefully if you believe that old marketing ploy of an 'Exam Guarantee' sounds great value:

In this day and age, we have to be a little more 'marketing-savvy' - and usually we realise that of course it is something we're paying for (it isn't free or out of the goodness of their hearts!) People who enter their exams one by one, funding them as they go are much more likely to pass. They are mindful of the cost and prepare more appropriately to make sure they're ready.

Take your exams as locally as possible and find the best deal for you at the time. Why borrow the money or pay in advance (plus interest of course) on exam fees when there was no need to? A great deal of money is secured by training companies charging upfront for all their exams - and then cashing in when they're not all taken. The majority of companies will require you to sit pre-tests and not allow you to re-take an exam until you've completely proven that you're likely to pass - making an 'exam guarantee' just about worthless.

Exams taken at local centres are currently clocking in at an average of 112 pounds in the UK. Students should be very wary of forking out hundreds of pounds extra in 'Exam Guarantee' costs (usually wrapped up in the course package price) - when good quality study materials, the proper support and commitment, effort and practice with quality exam preparation systems are the factors that really get you through.

A ridiculously large number of organisations only concern themselves with gaining a certificate, and forget what you actually need - which is a commercial career or job. Always start with the end goal - too many people focus on the journey. It's an awful thing, but a large percentage of students commence training that sounds marvellous in the syllabus guide, but which provides the end-result of a job that is of no interest. Just ask several university graduates to see what we mean.

Stay tuned-in to what it is you're trying to achieve, and formulate your training based on that - don't do it back-to-front. Stay on target and begin studying for a career you'll still be enjoying many years from now. All students are advised to speak to a professional advisor before following a particular learning path. This gives some measure of assurance that it contains the relevant skills for the career path that has been chosen.

You should only consider study programs that grow into commercially acknowledged qualifications. There are loads of trainers suggesting 'in-house' certificates that are essentially useless when you start your job-search. All the major IT organisations such as Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco or CompTIA each have globally recognised skills courses. These heavyweights will give some sparkle to your CV.

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