PC Maintenance & Repair Course

Loobz

Has anybody completed the PC Maintenance & Repair course with FAS?
Its ten weeks long. Im thinking about doing it. Thing is, I have a good knowledge of hardware but I want to learn more. I built my own PC with the helpp of a friend. Any suggestions?

KdjaCL

Could do that and A+ (also fas) that will teach you more about hardware than many IT grads know

Look at their software only MCPs etc if you want apps and stuff.

kdjac

red_ice

funny that.. i heard the complete opposite..

how odd....

Loobz

Hmmm...

I dont know what to do now. Basically I want to do a course in Waterford if possible. I have a solid knowledge of computers so basic courses may be a waste of time. I want to expand my knowledge of the hardware side of things. I also would be interested in multimedia (tried that in college but maths was laughably difficult)

eth0_

That FAS course you're talking about *is* good. You do A+ N+, MCSE, MCSA and cisco certs, at least thats what two of my friends in Dundalk and Tipp training centres have done and that's in _one year_.

IMO qualifications and work experience makes you much more employable for a lot of jobs than most people who leave college with a computers degree, and crap work experience.

tman

Originally posted by eth0_
That FAS course you're talking about *is* good. You do A+ N+, MCSE, MCSA and cisco certs, at least thats what two of my friends in Dundalk and Tipp training centres have done and that's in _one year_.

blimey! looks like i chose the wrong course.
i only get the A+ and N+ in this one:(

eth0_

Originally posted by tman
blimey! looks like i chose the wrong course.
i only get the A+ and N+ in this one:(

I think they were just given the option to do extra stuff if they finished the A+ and N+ early (most of them had those two done before the end of last year)

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by eth0_
That FAS course you're talking about *is* good. You do A+ N+, MCSE, MCSA and cisco certs, at least thats what two of my friends in Dundalk and Tipp training centres have done and that's in _one year_.

IMO qualifications and work experience makes you much more employable for a lot of jobs than most people who leave college with a computers degree, and crap work experience.

Most places seem to look on a degree as a prerequsite these days.

I'd like a course where I could get those certs, but not over that time frame. I'd prefer something a lot shorter. But not one of those 2k a week courses. The Fas in my area seem very basic.

Loobz

That particular course is 10 weeks long. that seems a bit short. maybe im wrong. I think i'll apply. At the end of the 10 weeks, are there any options to continue to an advanced level or something. Or does it just end once 10 weeks have passed?

Loobz

It also says its an evening course - what hours would that be?

eth0_

Originally posted by Loobz
That particular course is 10 weeks long. that seems a bit short. maybe im wrong. I think i'll apply. At the end of the 10 weeks, are there any options to continue to an advanced level or something. Or does it just end once 10 weeks have passed?

It's not 10 weeks, I think its a year and a half, my mates started it last summer and they've finished the college based side of things and are on industry placement now.

neXus9

The ten week course you're thinking of doing is an introduction course. Iv'e completed that course, and it's better off trying to get straight into the A+, and then continuing to do Network+. After network+ you are given 3 months work experience.

Loobz

OK. Im a little confused. When I saw it on the site I thought it was 10 weeks long as stated. I didnt realise it was an introduction. So whats the deal with funding? My mate did Microsoft Office course and got some money for travelling etc.

What time do evening courses usually start?

eth0_

I didn't realise it was part time courses you were after. You wouldn't get funding for them.
On the full time courses you get your dole money and travelling expenses too.

tman

/me stroeks €69 p/w accomodation moneh

Loobz

if its a decent full time course and i get funding i would jump at it. Any more info?

neXus9

If you are doing a full time course, you get the same amount of money per week as the dole, which includes travel and food expenses. They take a small amount of money out per week for your test fees (which is cheaper anyway than outside testing centres) and reading material.

As tman says, you get 69.90 for accomodation.

Loobz

Thanks Nexus - seems like this would be well worth looking into. I think i might call up to the FAS centre in waterford for some more info. When should I apply for this course if it starts in 21/09/2004.

neXus9

Now!! I did my course in Loughlinstown and signed up while in the introduction. There was a huge waiting list, and I got in because someone dropped out.

Loobz

What time do evening courses start? How long each evening?

eth0_

Originally posted by Loobz
What time do evening courses start? How long each evening?

FFS _ring FAS!_
They start a different times in different centres. From what i've heard, there's no way you'll get a place on a course at this stage unless someone drops out and even then there'll be a waiting list.

eth0_

Actually, why is this in the Work forum when it's about education? Should be in the college work forum methinks.

WhiteWashMan

Originally posted by eth0_
FFS _ring FAS!_

Agreed.

Loobz. you want an specific answer, go to the source. its called research. you will lots of it in your life. learn now, while youa re still young and know everything!

Loobz

Thanks for all the info. Wasnt sure whch forum. Wish me luck!

pyrogenx

doin the IT course and learning f**k all about hardware and fixing computers. Lucky me fixing and messing around with computers and any related material has been my hobby for the last 10 years
I think the VAS course will teach rather relavent stuff, which i believe should be the way to go in every education !

pyrogenx

Loobz

cool. Thanks for reply. Well i have sent my application form in. I hope i get a place - there are only 18 available and its based on who pays first.

RicardoSmith

If I was you, I'd look at the certifications yhou see in the jobs ads and use your free time to work towards those with the intention of having a few of them under your belt in about 2 years time. The basic skills are not enough anymore. But if someone sees you are working toward more certs it gives you a lot more credibility, both to get you an interview and then maybe even a a job.

neXus9

Originally posted by Loobz
cool. Thanks for reply. Well i have sent my application form in. I hope i get a place - there are only 18 available and its based on who pays first.

Don't forget that it's essential to do the network+ as well.

Loobz

I presume Network + is a module in the course. I have tried to ring FAS for more info but they keep transferring me all over the place - very bad.

Im currently working for AOL Broadband Technical Support so that should help a bit.