Although the Covid-19 pandemic has left a trail of disaster, it has also created some unexpected opportunities. Many South Africans were confined to their homes by lockdown regulations and forced to rethink their shopping procedures and learn how to make their purchases online. Others, though barred from their workplace, learned to conduct their jobs from home using software-driven technologies. The result has been a boom in demand for tech-savvy workers and those prepared to undergo IT training.

Information Technology is a convenient catchall label that covers a wide range of computer-related activities. For example, these might include setting up a local or wide area network, managing a company’s databases, creating web pages or writing programmes for PCs and mobile devices. In practice, the highest demand for personnel with computer-related skills is currently for programmers. If your current career options seem limited or you’re thinking about a change, there’s seldom been a better time to sign up for a programming course to start your IT training. 

With dozens of programming languages already established and new ones popping up at regular intervals, it might appear challenging to make the right choice. Generally speaking, the more contemporary object-orientated programming (OOP) languages now attract the highest demand. However, many companies rely on people with knowledge of older linear programmes to support the legacy systems on which they still depend. One of the most sought-after qualities in an OOP language is cross-platform compatibility – the property responsible for the widespread appeal of Java among software developers. Including a suitable Java development course in your IT training could be an excellent way to improve your chances of selling your skillset to a prospective employer.

Part of the appeal of Java is that its syntax is similar to English, which means it takes less time for a learner to gain a working knowledge of the language. If you have problems, supporting literature is plentiful, and so is online help from fellow users. Another significant strength is its versatility. In addition to features like dynamic coding, platform independence and extensive security, Java programmers can create applications for the web, desktop and mobile devices. Your IT training can only benefit from a course in a language used by about nine million developers and running on some seven billion digital devices.

Perhaps your primary interest is web development. In practice, this is the ideal starting point for the novice. Maybe you don’t see this as a full-time career opportunity. Instead, it could be a great source of extra income while saving up for your first home or struggling to pay varsity fees. Invariably, the first requirement for a front-end developer is Javascript – a built-in component of every major browser. In this case, IT training will combine this powerful scripting language with HTML5 and CSS3. An introduction to Angular 4 with Typescript will complete the programme. Within three months, you could have all the skills you need to land a job as a front-end web developer or start your own part-time business from home.

You can choose from short introductory courses or longer ones leading to a national qualification. Whatever your choice, be sure to start your journey to excellence with geeks4learning’s internationally recognised IT training.