Online networking classes

[alwayslearning1]

I have been looking into computer networking. I am a working father and husband but my current field is in apartment maintenance. There isn't a computer I can't fix but I know that the repair field is a dying field. I haven't switched into computers as my career because of all the certifications needed and I can't jump into school due to having kids and needing to keep a job.
So my question is: are there any reputable online courses, collages, or training that would be highly excepted. Note that even though I have the skill it is all self tough with the help of mentors and knowledgeable people, but on paper I know nothing. Any guidance, suggestions, or thoughts?

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Experience trumps certs and degrees any day of the week. My suggestion would be to get an intro job such as helpdesk etc and try to work from there. You will build your skillset as well as get some verifiable work experience

 

[alwayslearning1]

Experience trumps certs and degrees any day of the week. My suggestion would be to get an intro job such as helpdesk etc and try to work from there. You will build your skillset as well as get some verifiable work experience

How much does a job like that pay? I don't make a hole lot but with a family I can't afford to go down much in pay. Also for a position at a help desk or something of that nature what qualifications are required? I have no worries about starting at the bottom and working my way up in a company, I trend to do that extremely fast. I just need the right way in without losing to much in the process.

 

[azazel1024]

The answer is it depends. Probably anything from $10 an hour for a low end position with a "cheap" company doing help desk work for customers up to $40-50 an hour with some companies to provide support for their products for the company itself.

The later would generally be more the equivelent of "sys admin or software engineer staffing the phone" or similar.

Entry level is probably going to be more in the $10-20 an hour range.

For qualifications, some of them, none. They'll hire you on and put you through a few week training course. Those are not going to be the higher end customer service operations though.