First class graduates from Digital Skills Bootcamps, ready for careers in tech sectors

Monday, Feb. 21, 2022 | Written by Greg Tammen

 

OLATHE — Forty-two regional professionals are starting in-demand tech careers, thanks to professional development programming offered at Kansas State University's Olathe campus.

The 42 professionals are the first graduates from the campus' Digital Skills Bootcamps. The bootcamps are an alternative learning pathway that teach participants the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in a tech-driven business world, said Lauren Racki, professional development manager at K-State Olathe.

The series is designed to address the thousands of unfulfilled tech job vacancies in Greater Kansas City.

"I started the course with less than basic knowledge about computers," said Patrick Beshenich, a cybersecurity bootcamp graduate. "I now have the confidence in technology to succeed in not just interviews, but in practical application too."

Each bootcamp is a nine- to 10 month, 400-hour, cohort-based, noncredit training program that provides an accelerated path into a particular tech career field. Material is taught by industry experts through immersive lectures, virtual cyber labs and real-world simulations. New cohorts for each bootcamp are onboarded every two months.

Participants choose from five tracks: cybersecurity, digital marketing, software development, UI/UX design and data science and analytics.

Students also receive career development support.

After completing a bootcamp, program graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to enter and excel in the technology industry, and seek industry recognized credentials.

The bootcamps are provided in partnership with ThriveDX, formerly named HackerU. The institute works with academic institutions, government organizations and global companies to offer advanced workforce and professional development programs in digital technology.

The Digital Skills Bootcamps launched in November 2020. More than 350 people have enrolled in a bootcamp since the series' launch.

Cybersecurity and digital marketing are the next bootcamps. Their intro courses begin Feb. 28.

Learn more and enroll in a bootcamp at digitalskills.ksu.edu.