In This Issue:
News: Tech Layoff Announcements Are All LIES
Education: Training Can Be Affordable, Even In Tough Times
Education: Don’t Take Our Word for It
Tips: Tech Toys

Tech Layoff Announcements Are All LIES

Well, okay, they’re not really lies, but they are stretching the current numbers a huge extent! If you’re like many of your fellow IT professionals, you’re clicking on e-news articles about IT layoffs, counting the thousands of jobs lost, and wondering how experts insist that IT is still in good shape?

Well, InfoWorld reports the real truth: The number of layoffs announced “don't reflect actual people losing their jobs, so the real tally of tech workers who have found themselves jobless is significantly smaller than you'd think.”

The amount of layoffs reported equal almost 35,000; the actual number, however, is only about 9,600! So, why the extreme exaggeration? Easy. Companies are trying to show shareholders that they are taking action and the announced numbers actually include vacant positions and planned positions, which doesn’t result in anyone getting fired. And don’t forget, the announcements are made in advance for layoffs that may occur later.

Here are a few examples, just to ease your mind: Microsoft announced 5,000 layoffs, when only 1,400 employees have been let go so far. Sun mentioned 6,000 job losses back in November, but has only cut 1,300 so far. Intel had announced that 6,000 jobs would be cut but then said some of the laid-off employees will be offered new jobs in other facilities. Oracle announced cutting up to 8,000 people but the Wall Street Journal reported that they’ve cut 500 people in North America so far (Oracle hasn’t actually disclosed a number).

So, what’s an IT person to do? CBT Direct received a call last week from an IT professional that was more than ready to surrender to this economic war and his call to us was his last cry for help. Meanwhile, his IT counterparts (who are certified, by the way) were being promoted! After talking to a training advisor, he realized that his want to fold was his only problem. Look, this is all proof that your battle isn’t lost already, so what are you doing giving up so fast? Find out what IT jobs are least affected by the economy, and how to maintain your salary stability and job security. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes: if you had three candidates for a job opening and only one was certified, wouldn’t your decision be made for you already? Think of your every-day life: when you chose a doctor, a nurse, a lawyer, a teacher, a mechanic, or emergency vehicle personnel, you don’t just want them to have credentials, but you expect them to, right?

Get certification training in: Microsoft MCSE and MCITP, .NET, Java, Cisco CCENT, CCNA, CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ and much more. Take an IT IQ test and see what you know and what you don’t, and do whatever you need to do to win your own battle. You deserve it!

Training Can Be Affordable, Even in Tough Times

As the baby boomers leave the office for good, corporations are being forced to slash their training budgets for their up-and-coming talent, due to the current economy. The timing couldn’t be worse.

However, Don Fitchett, president of engineering and maintenance training firm Business Industrial Network, recommends a few alternatives to maximize training ROIs (in the Industry Week Magazine, February, 2009). In the article entitled, “Training Doesn’t Have to Be a Budget Buster”, Fitchett recommends the following:

Onsite training: “Real-world, hands-on training by an instructor to small groups onsite customized to the facility’s equipment.” CBT XPress offers on-site IT Boot Camps for corporations and military facilities. We bring everything right to you!

Online training: “A mix of onsite and seminar training along with a live online session with seasoned instructors can provide a cost-effective solution.” As you know, CBT Direct is the leader in online training for the IT industry, as well as medical support, automotive, office administration, sales and customer service fields. Online training is the most flexible, affordable, and reliable way to get certified.

Don’t Take Our Word for It

CBT XPress Certification Boot Camps are the fastest, most affordable way to get your certification right when you need it most – RIGHT NOW. Here is just one example of what our students have been saying about their CBT XPress Boot Camp experience:

"I cannot express my sincere appreciation and satisfaction enough regarding the MCSE Boot Camp, sponsored by CBT XPress. The entire experience was wonderful and rewarding, from the beginning with my training advisor, who coordinated and booked my training, to my class instructor. I found both individuals to be professional, energetic and motivational. The classroom environment was exceptional and the content concise. It has
been a rewarding experience that I would not hesitate to recommend to others as they pursue their certifications.
Additionally, I have made some wonderful friends!"
Michael L. Woychak
Mechanicsville, Virginia

CBT XPress Certification Boot Camps include CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ Boot Camps; Microsoft MCITP Enterprise Administrator 2008; MCSE 2003; MCITP Messaging Administrator; Cisco CCENT and CCNA Boot Camps; for certification at the luxurious Safety Harbor Resort and Spa in Tampa Bay, Florida. For advice on CBT XPress Boot Camps, call 1-877-872-4646 Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm.

Tech Toys