Military communications on operations are to further enhanced, thanks to a new £400 million contract to use a new satellite, the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, announced today.

The Skynet 5D which is the fourth satellite of its kind to be used by the MoD is roughly three times the length of a double decker bus and will be launched in 2013 playing a key role in gathering intelligence on operations. The satellite will also be used to provide the telephone and internet welfare support facilities for Service personnel on operations.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

Future operations require that our Armed Forces are given access to the best possible communications and this new satellite will go a long way to ensuring this.

This value for money package not only builds upon a tried and tested capability for the Armed Forces, but also secures hundreds of jobs in a very important field of technology.

The build of Skynet 5D will directly create around 100 new jobs, mainly at EADS Astrium’s sites in Portsmouth and Stevenage. It will also sustain approximately 800 jobs at these sites and in Corsham, Wiltshire, at Paradigm's Hawthorn site.

Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation, said:

The UK's thriving space and satellite industry has been a real recession-buster – creating jobs and achieving exceptional growth. This latest success cements the UK's position as a world leader in satellite technology, with the sector forecast to be worth £40Bn to the UK by 2030.

Darrell Midgley, MOD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Information Systems and Services Networks Head, said:

The demand for satellite communications is growing faster than originally predicted. To ensure that future operations will continue to have access to the vital communications they may need, the MOD has decided to make arrangements to take advantage of the services that a fourth satellite in the Paradigm’s Skynet constellation would provide.

Source: MOD

Many people will find themselves in search of a new direction at the moment, whether they have become a victim of the recession or simply want to pursue a different career.

There are inevitably some areas which are in need of talent more than others – and the IT sector is one example. With the digital age in full swing, there has perhaps been no better time to become competent in the industry.

A recent study conducted by e-skills UK showed that regardless of the recession, employment in the country's technology industries has continued to increase.

It estimates that around one in 18 people now work in the sector, with the IT and Telecoms professional workforce growing at twice the UK average over the past eight years alone.

However, those who are interested in taking this direction will find numerous IT training course providers vying for their attention. And it can be hard to differentiate between the good and the bad.

There are a number of top tips which potential students need to consider before signing up to a course, as learning new skills involves a high level of commitment.

Firstly, anyone thinking of enrolling needs to look into the company's history – does it have a good reputation? What are other people saying about it? Perhaps looking beyond the firm's PR material is a good idea, as the most accurate reflection of what it has to offer comes from the consumers.

Another key area worth considering is whether or not the training course provider will give you the opportunity to work flexibly. Let's face it, few of us have the time to sit and study for hours on end, seven days a week. By opting for a training programme with a bit of leniency, this stress is removed and you can get on with gaining your qualifications.

As with any challenge, it is worth assessing the likelihood of success. Therefore it is worth getting in touch with an IT training course provider to ask what their first-time pass rate is. Figures speak volumes, remember, so this can be a crucial tool in working out where to send your business.

Cost is bound to be a consideration for many a candidate. Some companies will provide more for your money than others, so think about looking into whether examination fees and course materials are included.

Accreditation is an important part of the selection process; going to a company which has the relevant certificates and affiliations will no doubt offer you peace of mind. Some of the main endorsements people need to be on the look out for include the Institute of IT Training and the Personally Funded Training Accreditation scheme.

So, you've got your qualification from a reputed provider – now what? Having IT skills and the certificates to prove it is all well and good, but you will only reap the rewards once you have a career to really show what you can do.

Having an IT training provider which leaves you high and dry once you've completed the course is not likely to be on anyone's agenda. Therefore it is worth considering whether your chosen course offers a job search support service. Some may even have companies they are involved with who will take new recruits on board, which offers great opportunities to those with their newly-acquired IT skills.

The e-skills survey found that around 140,000 new entrants to the profession are required each year and that a lack of applicants for the positions with the required skills, qualifications or experience is a major problem for many employers.

It would seem that there are opportunities aplenty for people to make the most of after undertaking their training qualifications, it's just a case of knowing where to start looking.

The key to being successful in embarking on a course is doing your homework first. Becoming involved with a company which has all the right credentials will pay dividends in the future in more ways than one.

Source:  Computeach