Learner testimonial — Arjan, Free Training for Life Winner

Many are undergoing training to keep up with the rapidly changing IT landscape. Arjan op 't Hof got lucky when he won our draw, Free Training For Life, in 2019!

Arjan has been working for Solvinity as a Senior Engineer for more than 9 years, where he is the point of contact for complex issues and sometimes supervises projects. He is not new to IT training.

“I did my first courses in 2004 when I took Windows XP. I've taken about 20 exams in total with Microsoft, many of which have now expired.

“Early in my career, I needed certifications to demonstrate my knowledge to potential clients and employers. Now, certification is important to support the status of my employer. At my current employer, Solvinity, Cloud Computing is very important. I already have experience, but it takes a long time to learn everything in practice—in a course, you learn it in one go.”

Arjan's first Firebrand course

“I started at Firebrand with the Microsoft MCSA 2016 training path, which I believe involved 3 courses and 3 exams. I then won the Free Training For Life competition and started taking more courses in Microsoft Azure!”

Why did you choose Firebrand?

“The all-inclusive concept is what really appealed to me. I live in the far north and, usually, these types of training sessions are always in central Netherlands—or, in this case, even further away. Driving up and down every day is quite a challenge.

“Food and drinks are also provided in the evening and you can completely immerse yourself in your studies. In my opinion, this is the best choice ever!”

What do you think of the quality?

“Most trainers I've had have a lot of background knowledge. Of course, the trainers always follow the official Microsoft curriculum, but they can also provide more information than what is in the textbooks. And I really like that, because you really have the feeling that you are dealing with experts who know what they are talking about.

“In addition, the ladies at the training centre are super friendly and helpful and I always have nice contact with them. Usually, I like to use my own laptop, because then I have everything at hand, and this is not a problem. Everything is neatly prepared and there are plenty of machines to use. The coffee and soft drinks are also well stocked, so you won't end up with a caffeine dip.

“I've also been to England twice for training and everything was very well prepared there.”

So, having done all this, would you recommend Firebrand?

“I'm not the only one at my company who chooses Firebrand; a colleague of mine also does all his training at Firebrand and it is great to see that someone who does not have free training also chooses Firebrand again and again.

“I have also advertised Firebrand a lot within the company because the goodwill factor is absolutely there!”

What is Firebrand?

For the past 13 years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World.

We specialise in accelerated courses that get you certified at twice the speed. You could win free access to all of them for life if you enter our annual Free Training for Life draw.

The prize is worth over £1 million!

Find out more.

(Photo: Arjan receives the FTFL prize at the Training Centre in Ruwenberg from Firebrand Benelux Managing Director, Harry Pallandt.)