What's on at the Resettlement Training Centre, Aldershot?

Unix system maintenance and administration course
After three decades of use, the Unix computer operating system from Bell Laboratories is still regarded as one of the most powerful, versatile and flexible operating systems in the computer world. Its popularity is due to many factors, including its ability to run on a wide variety of machines (from micros to supercomputers). Its portability has led to its adoption by many manufacturers.
The operating system controls all commands from keyboards and input data seamlessly; while the speed of processing leads all the users to believe they are the only person working on the computer. This real-time sharing of resources makes Unix one of the most powerful operating systems ever developed.
Although Unix was developed by programmers for programmers, it provides an environment that is so powerful and flexible that it is found in all sectors of business, including science, academia, industry and commerce (the latter particularly in the financial sector). Many telecommunications switches and transmission systems also are controlled by administration and maintenance systems based on Unix.
Professionals from the Unix industry with experience in all sectors have designed a new course at the Resettlement Training Centre. All of the trainers and course writers are experts in their own field within the Unix environment. The course is designed to accept students from a basic starting standard and train them to be systems engineers and administrators.
Students will usually be people interested in business computing as a second career. They should have either some Unix experience or knowledge of computer engineering. Other electrical engineering skills are acceptable. Keen amateurs could also possess the required knowledge and our team of advisers will interview all prospective candidates.
Employment prospects are excellent, with growth in the market expected to be around 20 per cent in the next year. During the course, students will meet potential employers and have the opportunity to speak with engineers currently employed in the field.
Courses of both two and four weeks' duration will be run. Unfortunately they are outside contract-funded training and will require a contribution from Service leavers in addition to the Individual Resettlement Training Costs grant. Nevertheless, they are extremely good value when compared with similar commercial courses.
Course content will include the following areas:
Basic computer concepts:
- component handling and ESD awareness
- systems interfaces
- dismantling, rebuilding and configuring of Unix workstations and work group servers
- hardware specifications
- using the Solaris operating environment
- administering the operating environment
- Sun storage management concepts.
Working at this level requires excellent technical and communication skills. The rewards for these skills are reflected in starting salaries of £25,000 and upwards. It is common that salaries will rise to exceed £70,000 a year after five years' experience.
The Unix operating system is regarded as one of the most powerful, versatile and flexible operating systems in the computer world
The course is designed to accept students from a basic starting standard and train them to be systems engineers and administrators
Employment prospects are excellent, with growth in the market expected to be around 20 per cent in the next year
It is common that salaries will rise to exceed £70,000 a year after five years' experience