Network experience

[1234dave]

I am currently training for my Microsoft Certified System Engineer; I do not work in the IT industry and looking for a career change. It is becoming apparent that to secure a job, qualifications alone will not be enough and I need some practical hands on experience. I have been building maintaining and repairing PC's for fifteen years but only in a hobbyist capacity for friends and family. How can I gain some real world network experience without leaving my current employment?

Thanks

[anniebird]

See if you can find a local shop doing computer sales, not part of a large chain, and ask them if they would like someone to assist with computer problems/setup for customers during evenings or weekends.