The decision to attend a training school is one of the most important that you never do, and even more importantly, to attend one. The right questions can give an idea of whether a particular technology school is a good investment. A first article I wrote on this subject was so popular that I thought that I offer some advice on the issues before writing to ask or check to get that loan.
If the school offers a placement service, ask to speak to the people who work in that department and ask how to go about placing graduates. Most schools offer a list of companies that have placed the students. Get this list and start calling some of these companies. Ask for your human resources department and ask for their opinion of school. Even if they do not say much, his tone of voice can speak volumes.
Ask to meet some of their teachers, and is not afraid to ask how long I've taught at that particular school. If the average teacher has been there a while, that's a good sign. If it looks like a bit of turnover in school, which is not a good sign.
Another key area is the availability of the computer labs during class and after class is over. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that to get practical experience with various software and hardware you are working in the field is the # 1 way to get ahead - just do not read books. If you're taking a router class, the school had no right to the routers to work? If you're taking a class of PC repair, there are a lot of PCs for everyone in your class to work, or do you have to share?
Want to offer hands-on experience during class, and you should be able to enter the computer labs after class. You may not be able to use the laboratories at night if the school offers classes at night, but again I speak from experience - time spent in the computer lab after class is as valuable as time spent in class. Make sure the labs will be available after class - and then get there and work!
