Hello Everyone,

My name is Pritish, and I looking for some advice from the experienced guys in this forum. Please bear in mind with the noob questions

Just a bit about myself. I am computer Animator/3d Artist with over 5 year of experience. However in the last 2 year or so, our industry has shrunk significantly due to the economic downturn. I don't see it picking up for atleast the next 6 months.

In light of these situation, I am now considering a backup career in IT support, till I get a job in my current industry again.

I am very comfortable with technology and I have experience scripting/programming in our 3d Programs

I am interested in the following job titles and I was looking for some information with regards to the following field

1)Computing Support Technician for either business and home
2)System Administrator
3)Corporate Hardware Installation

Now my questions are as follows

1)What is the trend like in the above fields. Is it extremely tough to get a junior position?
2)What sorts of short term courses can I do in order to secure the jobs. I was looking into courses like MCDST. Are these courses any good or just sound good on paper.
3)With regards to apprenticeship, are they unpaid?How do you go about securing them?
4)Any other advice?

Back in UNI I did do a tertiary course in computing where we learnt about system architecture, database programming etc. Off course all this was 10 years ago, but I am ready to brush up on my skills.

I have pretty open mind and I am basically looking for job where the education aspect is short but with a somewhat assured job. I am not thinking of earning big bucks, just enough so that I can get back through 3d Industry "downtime".

Cheers

Pritish