I taught myself about computers and IT more than 25 years ago. I study and earn my certifications, and acquire new ones as the years go on. I have worked with almost every brand imaginable. Quite often a company/vendor/client will approach me with training and certifications to work with their equipment. Real world, and actual hands on training by the manufacturer/client. -Something you can't always get at a college. I've been doing this work for decades now, and I've had the honor of taking on 3 separate apprentices. Two of those are now doing there own business in IT. Not one of us has had to endure a haunting student loan debt.