thutchin11 asked:


I’m in high level technical training all week and I can’t help getting drowsy every hour or so. Does anyone out there have any successful methods of keeping yourself awake and attentive during times of extreme boredom?

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Wendy N. Lapidus-Saltz asked:


Do you find that your team has more responsibilities, tighter deadlines, later quit times, and fewer free weekends?

Employees today, despite time-saving devices, seem to work harder and longer than 20 years ago, 10 years ago, and maybe even last month! What about the number of times you need to do a few hours of work on a holiday-just to stay caught up?

Despite the apparent need for additional work hours, if you are a corporate employee, chances are you have also participated in some sort of training this year, and I don’t mean fire drill practice.

These trainings may take several hours or several days, and could be on-site or away from the office. Add the travel time, you’re spending many hours on activities other than servicing clients, managing employees, and growing the business.

Is this a good use of time? Well, yes and no.

Let’s start with the most common objections to what are called “time wasters” by some employees and managers:

- Employees are forced to attend even if the information to be acquired is not necessary to their position.

- Some employees choose to attend irrelevant programs to avoid work-leaving the undesirable tasks for someone else.

- Insufficient information is given about a workshop or seminar so employees find it difficult to discern whether the content will be useful to them.

- When an employee is working at full capacity, dedicating time to additional education is a personal sacrifice: missed work will need to made up, often after hours.

- Often an attendee is not given any credit or reward for attending.

- While upper management approves the classes, middle management is often dismayed by the waste of hours, and may take it out on the employee. Sometimes they may even need to do the employees’ tasks themselves, inciting resentment.

- Often the employee himself is expected to both attend the educational program and get all his work done too.

These seem like convincing arguments to eliminating training during work hours, don’t they? But wait. Let’s give equal time to those who purchase or teach these trainings, and the employees who appreciate acquiring free education on very relevant subjects.

Here are some benefits to trainings and seminar programs:

- Relevant training adds value. By increasing understanding, promoting efficiency, and challenging the mind with something new, training helps employees remain current and marketable both inside and outside the company, and at no cost to them.

- Appropriate training increases efficiency and ease in doing required tasks, which can ultimately give time back to the employee, improving skills, confidence, and morale.

- Right training, right person, right time: when all three are aligned, both company and employee benefit. The company acknowledges the employee’s values and skills, and sets him/her up for continual improvement and future opportunities.

- With good trainers, even the most technical trainings have moments of humor and opportunities to partner with others one has never worked with before. Employees bond in this new situation and learn to work better together.

- Formal or informal coaching relationships may spring up when some find they need help with a part of the training that another employee grasped more easily. This may reach well beyond the day or week of the training.

- Employees leave trainings with new reasons to interact with people they barely knew before, adding cohesiveness to the work force. Sometimes “forced interaction” works beautifully, particularly with shy employees.

- Simply doing something different instead of the familiar routine sparks new thinking and creativity.

Yet training is not perfect. Here are some ideas to add value:

- Consider study/coaching groups or pairs to spark ideas for applying what was learned and encourage participants to hone their expertise.

- Give time off, small bonuses, or prizes to participants, especially those who coach others.

- Thoroughly vet the training before purchasing it. Make sure it really addresses employee needs and desires.

- Be sure that if an employee is scheduled for a training, he is allowed to attend all of it. No interruptions or calling him away to handle a minor emergency. Education works when the employee is allowed to focus and concentrate fully.

- Consider involving some potential users of the training in making the choice of what you’ll be offering so genuine needs are met. Early involvement engages interest, acknowledges intelligence, and can perhaps create informal buzz. All of these pique interest and increase participation.

So is training ultimately a boon or bust?

That depends on all the elements put into place long before the trainer opens her manual, clears her throat, and says “Good morning everyone….” ©2008 by Wendy Lapidus-Saltz. All rights reserved.



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Andy West asked:


The world is changing and the business world seems ready to go with it. For those who have been involved in this changing dynamic in corporate America, knowledge of computers and computer systems is absolutely essential. Not only are there new job opportunities opening up in the computer industry, but more and more corporate management positions require a heightened ability to use the computer. In the past, having some knowledge of computer systems was a huge plus when applying for new jobs. In today’s working world, those technical abilities are an absolute must. If you are looking to get ahead, however, you should consider MCSE training in Alabama. Becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer has never been easier, as programs are geared toward the busy business professional.

The certification process for the MCSE certificate is a fairly difficult one, but with some training, it is doable. By passing as few as seven core computer-based exams, many can walk away with the knowledge to go forward in the business world. For the extremely computer savvy individual, these tests are a breeze. The rest of us might need a little bit of training, though. Like any college course or vocational training class, MCSE training will break down not only the basics of the Microsoft Systems, but also the ins and outs of the test itself. Having an advanced knowledge of the computer programs themselves might not be enough, as the core exams can be extremely tricky without the necessary training.

The key to MCSE training in Alabama has nothing to do with how much computer knowledge or technical training you already possess. In order to really have the ability to master the core exams, you must be put through a series of hands-on sessions of advanced instruction. Studies have proven time and time again that the best way to master material of a technical nature is through repetitive mental practice. In this regard, training your mind to grasp the very technical ideas behind the Microsoft systems will enable you to pass the certification program with a measure of ease.

Another great way to train for the MCSE core exams is through a cooperative learning effort. When you come to training sessions, you will be put through not only a rigorous mental workout, but also a team effort that incorporates the mind power of many individuals. By working closely with not only the certified instructors, but with other individual business people just like yourself, you can learn at a level and pace that suits your style. In addition, this emphasis on group work will promote a sense of team building that is essential in the working world. When dealing with the often-frustrating computers, it is always best if your corporate team knows how to work together to get the job done the right way.

Many business owners are sending their current employees to these advanced programs in order to stay ahead of the curve. By sending their workers together to classes, the employees gain the first-hand knowledge of how to work with their fellow-employees while gaining the necessary training to become a MCSE. When these workers return to their place of business with this new knowledge and fancy new title, that business has the ability to become something of a corporate juggernaut in an ever-changing business landscape.

If you are trying to get ahead in the business world, consider looking into MCSE training in Alabama. By getting that certification and the experience that goes with it, corporate professionals can further not only their careers, but also the goals of the company that employs them. In today’s technological world, MCSE training has never been easier.



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phonty asked:


I am close to getting my “Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor” certification and would like to get a full-time job doing MS Office trainings (especially in Portland, OR, where I’ll be moving to at the end of the year). Does anyone have advice or can they direct me to sites that can help me find employment?

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Tony Jacowski asked:


The choice of a career involves a lot of planning. It is the decision of a lifetime. It is essential for you to be passionate about your career. There are a number of career options to choose from and still many more within the paradigms of the existent ones. Your career is your chosen line of work that you are genuinely interested in and hope to make a living from the activities involved. It is very important to take into consideration the element of satisfaction that a career is supposed to offer. The drive to excel in your chosen field and add positively to your career track should make the choice worthwhile.

There are many career options available today, such as business, industry and academics. While some people opt for sales and promotional work, some choose the creative track, such as a career in the Fine Arts.

Some careers involve the full-time participation of special skills. Some capitalize on written and verbal skills, while some concentrate on leadership qualities to delegate work effectively. Your career options also determine the basic qualifications required to pursue a particular field. Graduate and diploma courses are available for many career options. Some of the most popular career choices involve the contribution of special technical know-how in a particular area.

Technical Education

Technical education is available at numerous special institutions and dedicated websites. This type of education is very flexible, offering immediate employment upon completing the course. There are day and night time courses and full and special summer courses available for the students to choose from. This makes it possible for students to continue their regular activities and pursue a technical course. Technical education is best for:

-People who desire individual and special training with hands on experience, to apply the newly acquired knowledge.

-Those who want to keep working on their full-time jobs and want to use holidays or vacation time to continue their basic education

-People who do not have the time, money or inclination to complete traditional degree courses.

Special technical training is available in the spheres of criminal justice, health care, computers and business.

Technical education program:

Technical education programs are usually offered at special technical schools. These programs aim at providing specialized training, rather than traditional education. Students are required to fulfill the following basic requirements:

-A high school diploma or its equivalent.

-Completed 17 years of age.

-Be able to take an entrance exam or submit SAT or ACT scores.

However, the requirements of institutions are different and there are a number of alternatives provided to candidates.

Technical education involves the completion of either a short-term diploma course or a bachelor?s degree program. Students can choose to major in aviation maintenance, computer science, auto collision technology, legal assistance and paramedic training.

The programs and majors offered should be researched thoroughly to pick the desired area of study. Various schools offer choices within education programs that are required for a specific trade. Making the decision to pursue technical education ensures the possibility to earn a living upon completion of the course. The institutions offering technical education are many, with each one offering a wide selection of courses.



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Rosanne Dausilio, Ph.D. asked:


Most organizations still do not provide comprehensive, let alone adequate, training in today’s marketplace. A recent report by the Service & Support Professionals Association (SSPA) said that only 27% of service and support staff spend more than 5 days on annual ongoing training.

Beyond that, it was found that 82% of new hires feel they do not receive much training in customer service skills, compared to only 18% who feel they do. What an exposure for a company to have–not only to not provide sufficient, robust training, but to have the majority of employees feel they weren’t provided with enough training, so they don’t have the tools necessary to do their jobs!

In another study the good news is that it’s reported that nearly half of US employers plan to spend more time and money on training in 2008 Novations Group Survey). One of the top categories of training is Customer Service, followed by Technical Training, Interpersonal/Teamwork, Communications, on down to Basic Skills.

The part of this study that concerns me is that employers ‘plan to spend more time and money.’ Like me, I’m sure you’ve heard this before. Let’s make sure the feet go where the mouth leads. As they say, talk is cheap, let’s get those training initiatives implemented.

After all, in today’s competitive environment, what separates one company from another is not their product or service, but rather, their customer service.

And who has that awesome responsibility to deliver this world class customer service? Yes, your front lines who feel they haven’t been trained enough in customer service skills.

In a recent Training Magazine Study (November/December 2007), the training delivery methods reflect the following from year 2006 to 2007:

2006 2007

Instructor Led 62% 65%

Online Self Study 15% 20%

Virtual 14% 10%

Other 9% 5%

Where do you fit in the above stats? Are you taking great care of your employees so they can take great care of your customers?

If not, I suggest you make this a priority. Create a training initiative today!

Invest in your people. Start now.



Modern Lighting Choices
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James Copper asked:


Considering the increasing usage of computers in all sections of business, a Microsoft training courses can provide you the advantage you need to take your career to the next level. Although there are many other certifications (for example the Cisco certifications) available, the Microsoft certifications are one of the most sought after courses. It is evident that the demand and usage of computers will only go up with passing time. That is why a certification from the world’s top most organization is considered one of the most useful tools for shaping a career. Moreover, the certifications offered by Microsoft are recognized all over the world. Therefore, they are also an important tool to all those aspiring IT professionals who want an international exposure.

Explore The Career Opportunities By Choosing The Right Course From Microsoft

Microsoft is a top notch leader in the computer software industry. Most of the computers and servers run on Microsoft platform. Therefore, a certificate from Microsoft is useful and applicable all over the world. Moreover, most of the certifications are offered after verifying the credentials of the candidates through specialized tests. Therefore, the knowledge and expertise of the Microsoft certified professionals are never doubted by the industry. This ensures that the Microsoft certified professionals have an edge over other competitors in their chosen field. Moreover, it also lets the professionals get a better salary package and plenty of options of promotion once they are absorbed in a company. This is another reason why Microsoft certified professionals have a higher rate of success in their career.

Microsoft certifications are offered in a variety of fields and therefore numerous Microsoft training courses are available. The MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) and MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) certifications can be chosen by candidates trying to build a career in software application development. For those who want to shape up the career as a system engineer, the MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) and MCSA (Microsoft Certified System Administrator) certifications are useful. While MCSE offers knowledge of business requirements analysis to the infrastructure’s design and implementation, the MCSA focuses on the management and troubleshooting of business environment. Candidates looking for business analyst positions can take up Microsoft Office Master in combination with MCPD or MCSD (Microsoft certified System Developer) courses. For system analysts there are courses, such as MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) and the MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer).

Software engineers looking to enhance their skill set may take up MCSE or a MCSD courses. Moreover, the database analysts or administrators can take up the MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) course. Those who want to make a career as a technical consultant can start with a MCTS and continue with MCITP. There are many such courses offered by Microsoft in almost all types of IT industry specific subjects. However, the choice is dependent on the candidate’s chosen field.

Today, Microsoft certifications have become a benchmark for testing the skill sets of candidates from the IT industry. It is but natural that there is a certification options in any field of the IT industry. For example, apart from the above mentioned certifications, there are programs aimed at trainers, office managers, and executive assistants and even for technical writers. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of these certifications is that you need to be fully proficient in the subject matter to get a certification. The examinations are truly talent based and test the skill sets of the candidates. Therefore, it is necessary to be serious about learning the basics by contributing time and interest in the study materials or the technical training. If you do the hard work and have the necessary Microsoft certification, there are several IT companies which will grab you instantly.



Tankless Hot Water Heaters
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Tme asked:


I have an AAS as an administrative assistant, yet I have not been able to land a job in the medical field. I would like to obtain a diploma or certificate from a good institution that won’t rip me off. I am not sure if Westwood or Lincoln are any good. Please help me with suggestions as to where can I attend?
Westwood college in Chicago, IL near O’Hare airport and Lincoln T. Institute in Melrose Park, IL

Krylon Spray Paint
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Mrs She asked:


I would like to start technical training institute and also as corporate trainer. Where & how can I regiter legally in Bangalore ? Please please help me. thanks to all of youu.

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Julian Gaston asked:


Having no experience in the Oil drilling industry is not necessarily an obstacle to getting work in an entry-level capacity. It is perfectly possible to get hired on an offshore rig without having worked on one before (most of us were in that boat at one time). There are actually many entry level offshore jobs available. It all depends on what you want to do, and having the the correct contacts to get your resume in front of. The range of entry level employment opportunities on offshore oil rigs include: Floormen or Roughnecks and Roustabouts, Crane Operators, Cleaners/Painters, Storekeepers, Rig Mechanic, Rig Electricians, Rig Welders, Rig Medics, Cooks and Assistant Cooks.

However, most people looking to get into the industry are looking to get hired on as a Roustabout or Roughneck, otherwise known as Floormen. While it is perfectly possible to get hired with no training or experience whatsoever, your odds of getting a Floorman job are going to increase greatly if you have even a modicum of industry training. Fortunately, there are several programs available to help those without any experience gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the job. Without a doubt, this can greatly assist getting hired; placement rates of these 1 to 8 week programs are about 97%. Following are a few of the better programs.

Maritime Drilling Schools - Maritime Drilling Schools has a world-wide reputation in putting out graduates from their 3 week Floorman course that can start work as a Roughneck in an Offshore or Onshore environment. Training consists of drilling programs, hands-on rig training, and industry safety programs. Life skills and job readiness will also be included during the program. The Certificates issued upon graduation, required in Canada, will enable you to start work anywhere in the world, right away. They also offer advanced training that will enable you to move up to Assistant Driller and Driller.

Enform - Enform is another renowned Petroleum Industry training company. They have been in business for 50 years, and work closely with the Petroleum Industry, and assist their graduates in finding jobs. Their 1 week Floorhand \ Roughneck training program is designed to prepare individuals with little-to-no experience to work safely on an oil or gas well drilling rig. The student will gain a foundation of knowledge and skills through classroom lectures, skills training and drilling rig practice sessions, and will be prepared on completion to become an effective member of a drilling crew.

PetroSkills - PetroSkills is geared more for the Engineering side of things, and is the considered the industry standard for technical training in the Petroleum Industry. It is the product of a consortium between the world’s largest oil companies, and serves the industry by training a wide range of technicians and engineers in the latest oil field and offshore technology.

Getting a foot in the door of the Offshore Oil industry by taking a few basic courses to learn the fundamentals is an investment that will pay off immediately in the form of higher wages as well as a greatly increased understanding of occupational safety. You’ll hit the job running, and your team mates will quickly see and appreciate that you will know what you are doing, and won’t be a risk to yourself or others. Once you have those fundamental skills, save time on the job hunt by taking advantage of the industry insider contacts provided by the better guides that are available for the Offshore Oil industry.



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