If you'd like to get involved in the web design industry, an Adobe Dreamweaver course is essential for getting in-demand qualifications recognised globally. We'd also suggest that you learn all about the complete Adobe Web Creative Suite, which incorporates Flash and Action Script, in order to use Dreamweaver professionally as a web designer. This can mean later becoming an Adobe Certified Expert or Adobe Certified Professional (ACE or ACP).

Creating the website is merely a fraction of what you'll need - in order to drive traffic, update content, and work on dynamic sites that are database driven, you'll be required to have further programming skills, such as HTML, PHP and MySQL. You should also have an excellent grasp of E-Commerce and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

One feature offered by some training providers is a programme of Job Placement assistance. The service is put in place to help you get your first commercial position. However sometimes people are too impressed with this facility, as it's relatively easy for any focused and well taught person to secure a job in the IT environment - as there is such a shortage of well trained people.

However, avoid waiting until you have completed your exams before polishing up your CV. As soon as you start a course, list what you're working on and tell people about it! It's not uncommon to find that junior support roles have been bagged by people who are still learning and have still to get qualified. At the very least this will get you into the 'maybe' pile of CV's - rather than the 'No' pile. If you'd like to keep travelling time and costs to a minimum, then you may well find that an independent and specialised local employment service may be of more use than the trainer's recruitment division, as they are much more inclined to know the jobs that are going locally.

Certainly make sure you don't conscientiously work through your course materials, only to stop and expect somebody else to secure your first position. Stand up for yourself and make your own enquiries. Channel the same focus into getting a good job as it took to pass the exams.

The best type of training program should have Microsoft (or key company) exam preparation systems. Make sure that the practice exams aren't just asking you the right questions from the right areas, but are also posing them in the way the real exams will structure them. It completely unsettles people if the questions are phrased in unfamiliar formats. Simulated exams are invaluable as a resource to you - then when the time comes for you to take your actual exams, you don't get phased.

So many training providers only look at the plaque to hang on your wall, and completely avoid the reasons for getting there - which will always be getting the job or career you want. Your focus should start with the end in mind - too many people focus on the journey. Don't let yourself become part of the group who choose a training program that sounds really 'interesting' and 'fun' - and end up with a plaque on the wall for a job they hate.

Set targets for the income level you aspire to and what level of ambition fits you. This will influence which certifications will be expected and what'll be expected of you in your new role. Chat with a skilled professional that has a background in the industry you're considering, and who'll explain to you a detailed description of the kind of things you'll be doing on a daily basis. Researching these areas well before starting out on a learning programme will save you both time and money.

Be careful that the qualifications you're studying for are recognised by industry and are bang up to date. The 'in-house' certifications provided by many companies are usually worthless. Only fully recognised accreditation from companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA and Adobe will open the doors to employers.