[SLUG] Breaking into the Linux world

[john at johnallsopp.co.uk]

Hi Rob

> Can anyone recommend any ways I can train or where I might best look
> for a break into the world of Linux.

I don't know for how long you've been watching the list, but at the
last meeting a few of us resolved to start self-studying, together,
for the first Linux Professional Institute (LPI) exam (meeting notes:
<http://mailman.lug.org.uk/pipermail/scarborough/2005-June/002213.html>).

The LPI seems to be the most respected source of Linux qualifications.
Our self study group, though cheap, may be too slow for you though.
It'll take us two years to reach Junior Level Administrator
<http://www.lpi.org/en/lpic.html>, LOL.

You can always join with us on the first exam, and do your own
parallel study for the second exam so you get the Junior thing wrapped
up in a year.

Otherwise, the local college, Yorkshire Coast College does some Linux
courses, Mike Drawneek on this list may let us know what he's planning
to offer.

And of course, there are plenty of more formal LPI approved courses
which you can find on their website.


As far as finding employers goes, if I switch to my marketing head,
the specialist employment agencies are likely to know which employers
use Linux. Online, as I'm sure you know, they'll match you up with
company requirements so that kinda sorts that.

Another possibility is that there are lists, which you'd have to pay
for, of companies, the OSs they use, the name of the IT director and
so on. You could, conceivably, do a mailshot. I suspect you'd be
better off with some qualifications under your belt first though.

A final possibility comes to mind, that of using your own connections
to find a company that might be interested in trialling Linux. If they
are friendly they might let you work out of hours on something. The
current issue of Linux Format has an article with some advice about
how to persuade people, how to choose a project, etc.

HTH
J