Not sure how it works down in the UK, but here in America, we get our certifications. I imagine that would be possible in the UK as well.
We are dedicated to learning, but instead of wasting time and money, we go to a college to just simply take the certification test.
*Computer Repair - A+ Test
*Networking - Network+ Test
It's really up to you how far you carry yourself. Dedicate yourself to learning and I promise you can achieve.