With the current AI-driven climate’s evolution, it’s important for aspiring tech professionals looking to gain new skills to align their educational pursuits with the changing demands of the job market.
Ciera Adair, a former Baltimore resident and dancer who transitioned into the tech industry in 2021, shared insights about bootcamps during a recent phone call with Technical.ly.
“All I would say is: If you’re going to take a bootcamp, have multiple entrance points,” said Adair, who has attended such local schools as the Community College of Baltimore County and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). “[Don’t] just rely on that bootcamp to get you in the door. At the end of the day, even the worst bootcamp, if it gets you the information you need, it can be useful. A lot of bootcamps these days are literally just copy-and-pasting from YouTube videos that are already free.”
Last year, Adair, who self-identifies as on the ADHD spectrum, was in a contract with video game software provider Unity Software that ended only a few months before it imposed massive layoffs. She mentioned the efforts of gaming industry leader Amir Satvat, who had compiled everything from job resources to mock interviews for those seeking jobs.
“I literally went through all of them while I was at my spray and pray era,” she said.
Before sending out a bulk of applications to various companies, individuals aiming to pivot from gaming or another industry, or those simply seeking a fresh start, can explore several programs that are educating Baltimore’s next generation of tech talent. Discover these opportunities in Technical.ly’s latest roundup of local bootcamps and tech skills development programs.
Digital Harbor Tech Center
What? Digital Harbor Tech Center offers various technology-related programs like its Mini Makers, Maker Foundation and Advanced Makers programs.
When? Spring 2024. Programs start on Feb. 5.
Cost? Programs are free but donations are accepted.
Nucamp
What? Nucamp provides coding bootcamps with a focus on web development. Courses cover HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React and more. The bootcamps are designed for beginners and include hands-on projects.
When? Some courses start in early February. Those interested can participate in part-time, instructor-led or self-paced programming. Classes take place online. The duration varies depending on the specific program.
Cost? Nucamp bootcamps start at $349 and go up from there, in some cases to $1,880 depending on the course. There is an option for installment payments.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
What? UMGC offers cybersecurity bootcamps covering skills like ethical hacking and network security. You could become a cybersecurity analyst in as little as six months, according to the UMGC site. That program, which also focuses on AI, is 100% online and self-paced.
When? Most schedule details are available on the UMGC website. A cybersecurity course will start Feb. 5, with applications due Jan. 31. It is recommended to check the specific program for when it will start.
Cost? The complete cost of the program amounts to $12,495. Opting for upfront payment provides a discount of 12%.
Catalyte
What? Catalyte offers software development, IT services, project management and other apprenticeships to help individuals gain hands-on experience in the tech industry.
“Our software development apprenticeship remains a cornerstone of Catalyte,” said Catalyte Talent Stream General Manager Kate Burgin in an email to Technical.ly “We’ve been able to reduce the development portion of the apprenticeship, the time when apprentices are first learning new skills before being deployed to a client, from six months to 14-20 weeks.”
When? The schedule for Catalyte apprenticeship programs varies. Visit its website for the latest information.
Cost? All of Catalyte’s apprenticeships are 100% free.
Betamore
What? Betamore provides a range of tech-focused training, including coding bootcamps and workshops.
“We are continuing to build up our Startup 101 and [Software Engineer Training, or] SET programs at Betamore,” said Betamore Managing Director Kimmy Andrulonis in an email to Technical.ly. “[We] definitely have some soon-to-be-announced exciting news about a new partnership with another Baltimore City organization to bring our programming to more students and make it more accessible. More on that soon!”
Andrulonis also mentioned that the upcoming Startup 101 will be hosted at Baltimore Peninsula, with SET scheduled to take place in Fells Point.
When? The schedule for Betamore’s courses varies. Visit Betamore’s website for the latest information on upcoming sessions.
Cost? The six-month engineering course costs approximately $4,000, while the full six-week Startup 101 program is priced at $500 thanks to underwriting support from the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Per Scholas
What? Per Scholas offers IT support, end-user desktop support, software engineering, AWS re/Start and cybersecurity courses via remote, hybrid, or asynchronous format
“Regarding the 2021 article that highlighted our training, we have since moved to Harbor East/Little Italy and are located in the Bagby Building,” said Per Scholas Baltimore managing director Jessica Diaz Council in an email to Technical.ly.
When? The upcoming IT support program begins on Feb. 20, and applications are due by Feb. 5. The next AWS program is scheduled to start in April.
Cost? Tuition-free.
Towson University
What? Towson University offers a self-paced online cybersecurity bootcamp designed to provide participants with the skills needed for a career in cybersecurity.
When? Towson uses an open enrollment format where those interested can begin anytime.
Cost? $4,299.
Code in the Schools
What? Code in the Schools provides CodeWorks, a five-week program offering training in game development, web development, python, data science, mobile app development, cybersecurity and digital forensics. Codeworks is geared toward participants ages 14-21.
See what 2023 CodeWorks participants got up to
When? Summer. Prospective participants need to complete the affiliated YouthWorks Application by March 22.
Cost? Information about the cost of CodeWorks programs is not provided. Contact Code in the Schools for specific details on costs and potential financial assistance.
NPower
What? NPower offers Intro to Computer Administration and CompTIA IT fundamentals certifications for young adults, veterans and military spouses in East and West Baltimore.
When? NPower runs two cohorts, one in spring and another in autumn. Applications are open.
Cost? 100% no cost
UMBC Training Centers
What? The centers provide a range of professional development courses, including cloud computing and cybersecurity training.
UMBC also recently launched its Center for Applied AI. Check out its video on generative AI, ChatGPT and more:
When? The schedule for UMBC Training Centers courses is subject to variation. A session for cloud computing commences on Feb. 5, followed by courses on discovering chatbots and ethical hacking on Feb. 8 and Feb. 22, respectively. For additional course start dates, refer to the centers’ website.
Cost? Many of UMBC’s offerings are free. For specific details on costs and potential financial assistance, visit the UMBC Training Centers website.
But wait, there’s more:
- Year Up Baltimore will provide job training programs in fields like cybersecurity and data analytics as early as Spring 2024 at the Druid Hill YMCA. Applications are open on its website.
- Pass It On seeks to bridge the technology skills gap by offering a range of programs and resources, including audio engineering, drone piloting, coding and cybersecurity training. Its initiatives cater to individuals aiming to acquire digital skills and pursue tech careers. Pass It On additionally provides CompTIA and other workforce development programs. Those interested can email info@passitonmd.org or visit the website for more information.
- Baltimore City Office of Information & Technology offers virtual skills training and online resources to individuals seeking to enhance their technology skills.
- Maryland Department of Labor has an apprenticeship program locator that provides listings for individuals seeking on-the-job training and experience in various fields.
- Baltimore City One-Stop Career Centers provide employment and career consultation, résumé enhancement, interviewing techniques, job placement assistance, youth services, referral services and outplacement assistance for employers undergoing downsizing.
- Coppin State University (CSU) provides certificate programs in various disciplines, including technology-related fields like assistive technology.
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If these local options aren’t for you, consider these national and virtual programs:
This story is a part of Technical.ly’s Pathways to Tech Careers Month. See the full 2024 editorial calendar.
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