People who are looking for database programming training generally fall into one of two camps. One includes experienced programmers whose assignments now call for extending those skills into the database world. The other includes those who’ve progressed through off-the-shelf database use and customization, learning to modify and automate existing database applications with built-in tools such as macros and scripting. Either way, if you ’ve come to the point in your career where your responsibilities are quickly outgrowing your database knowledge, you’ve got your work cut out for you. The good news, though, is that there are myriad training resources available and one of them is sure to match your learning style, schedule and resources.

When it comes to database programming, training is almost entirely application-specific, so first you’ll need to decide which database tool you want to master. For the purposes of this article, we’ve chosen to focus on Microsoft Access 97, because, as part of Office 97, it already resides on so many desktops. Training options for any of the other popular database tools should parallel those we discuss for Access. Contact the company that makes the database application you’re interested in to begin your search for application-specific training resources.

In most cases, programming Microsoft Access 97 means using Visual BASIC for Applications (VBA), which is the graphical programming language underlying Microsoft Office. You’ll need a strong working knowledge of Access, including creating forms, writing queries and using events and macros to automate common tasks. If you aren’t quite that far along, you may want to take introductory or intermediate courses before tackling Access 97 programming.

To start your training with the lowest cost and commitment level, look to how-to books like "Access 97 Programming for Windows for Dummies" by Rob Krumm or "Microsoft Access 97 Visual Basic Step by Step" by Evan Callahan, both of which include CD-ROMs loaded with practice files.

Online training presents a more structured approach than self- study kits, while maintaining flexibility and convenience. For less than $50 (including the textbook) ZDNet University offers an eleven-week message board based class called "Using VBA with Microsoft Access 97." Training Associates offers a six-week "Introduction to Access 97/VBA Programming" course online for $350, conducted by Microsoft Certified Trainers via regularly scheduled Internet chat sessions with Web-based assessment exercises as follow-up.

While books and online training work well for many highly motivated learners and those with limited resources, many programming students prefer to learn by doing under the watchful eye of a live instructor. Options for this type of hands-on training include classes held at local training centers and regional or national seminars. To locate a training provider in your area, visit Microsoft’s Web site training section (http://www. microsoft.com/train_cert/train) and take advantage of its searchable database. Many local consultants, certified as Microsoft Solution Providers, offer training classes, as do the local branches of larger companies such as Executrain and Learning Tree International.

Minneapolis-based Application Development Training Co., a widely recognized leader in Microsoft developer training, periodically holds seminars in major cities throughout North America, including three levels of Access 97 training. The cost of $695 or $895 for a two- or three-day seminar includes instruction by experienced database developers and take-home courseware for later review.

If you have a number of employees you’d like to train in-house, computer-based training (CBT) delivered on

CD-ROM is one option. Learning Tree, for instance, has two levels of Access97 programming CBT, available starting at $995 each. For instructor-led training taught at your site, check with local training providers or national firms such as Application Development Training, Executrain or Learning Tree. DB Basics is among the companies that offer courseware your own trainers can use to teach database programming.