Here are the basic facts: IT (Information Technology) jobs are in high demand IT professionals enjoy one of the largest pay raises every year IT professionals are paid very well with very common minimum starting salaries of $40,000 a year in the computer industry NetCom Learning™ provides you with the education and technical training to be an IT professional. By taking one of our specially designed professional courses, you will be well on your way to become a highly paid IT professional in as little as 3 months. According to the US Department of Commerce, the U.S. will need 1.3 million new Information Technology workers by 2006; 1.13 million to fill newly created jobs, and 240,000 to replace existing workers. And, an extra 600,000 new workers will be needed by 2006, according to the US Department of Labor. (Source: US Department of Commerce , US Department of Labor)

Confused about what kind of IT position is right for you? Consider this: The fastest growing occupations are: Database Administrator, with a projected 249,000 openings; Computer Engineers, with 235,000 openings; and Systems Analyst, with a whopping 520,000 available positions. (Source: Computerworld) Microsoft reports that in the past four years, there have been more than 250,000 people that have earned Microsoft Certified Professional credentials. (Source: The Microsoft Corporation) According to staffing and consulting company Management Decisions Inc., the tech industry will produce an estimated 1.5 million new positions next year alone. Moreover, because of the severe shortage of qualified workers, roughly half of those spots will go unfilled. (Source: CNET) According to data from the Current Population Survey, IT workers have enjoyed a low unemployment rate - the rate has fallen from 3.0 percent in 1991 to just 1.4 percent in 1998. (Source: The Current Population) Research also indicates that, "customers still prefer the traditional instructor led delivery method over others. Customers favor instructor led delivery because it offers the benefits of student-teacher interaction. Additionally, cost/benefit analysis shows that it is the most effective method for the training dollar particularly if delivered at the customer site. Instructor led training will likely remain the primary method of choice for many years to come." Ledgeway/DataQuest Links to other sites: Recertification: Keeping Skills Sharp Network Staff pay differences Getting your due? Year 2000 hiring pace picks up Report: 31% of CIOs expect to hire more staff IT job market remains robust Job market for IT continues to sizzle through summer Demand For IT Workers Fuels Growth In Web Job Sites Microsoft Technet for IT Professionals