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Pre-Apprenticeship Java Training Program

Upskill to a full-stack developer

Cognizant’s Digital Engineering practice provides leading-edge software development services to clients. To meet our talent needs in this space, Cognizant partners with Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina to offer a tuition-free, unpaid pre-apprenticeship Java Training program designed to bridge the skills gap from non-technical to software developer. 
This pre-apprenticeship is a competitive, rigorous and fast-paced training program for early to mid-career professionals. The training consists of 12 weeks of remote learning with self-directed exercises, projects and homework plus real-time instructor-led online coaching in the evenings. After completing the training, participants may go on to a paid apprenticeship, with Cognizant, as a full-stack developer. 

About the program

Class
Class

The two online classes for the course are Java Programming and Java Backend. Classes include self-directed theory, outside homework assignments and instructor-led online synchronous learning. Students must pass each class before advancing.

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Schedule
Schedule

The training consists of 12-weeks, virtual online learning with self-directed exercises, projects and homework plus instructor-led live-online coaching evenings. Meeting times will be T/TH from 6 - 9pm.

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Required resources
Required resources

A laptop or desktop computer with internet access. Hardware Specs: Mac 10.13+ or Windows Professional 10+—no Linux—with at least dual processors (quad preferred) that are i5 or higher (i7 or higher preferred), and at least 8 GB Ram (16 GB preferred).

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Benefits

Pre-apprenticeship

The pre-apprenticeship Java training is a professional-focused, part-time, 12-week, online, tuition-free, with no out of pocket costs program that expands your skills and knowledge with hands-on projects in coding.

After successfully completing the pre-apprenticeship training and technical interview candidates have an opportunity to interview with Cognizant for a paid full-stack developer apprenticeship.

Finally, those chosen for a full-stack developer apprenticeship receive on-the-job learning with formal classroom instruction to help master the knowledge needed for career success. Apprentice salaries start at $25/hr, with a progressive rate schedule to $34/hr after 6 months of proven skill demonstration and knowledge.

Who should apply?

See if you’re an ideal applicant for our Pre-Apprenticeship java training program.

Education

Applicants have a college degree (Associate or Bachelor) or military equivalency.

Experience

Minimum of 2-years of work experience preferable in banking and financial services and/or technology related role.

Seeking a career change in software development

Applicants want to acquire a new set of technological skills to transition into a full-stack developer role with Cognizant and commit to a rigorous, fast-pace, part-time 12-week Java training program with a minimum of 20 hours of dedicated learning per week.

Skills and abilities

Applicants who recognize the ever-changing nature of today’s technological economy, and want to keep up with industry changes and gain relevant skills, and who have the foundation of technical skills and enjoy working in fast-pace environment.

Authorized to work in the U.S. (without restrictions)

Applicants must legally be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Background check

Applicants must be able to pass a background check.

FAQ

Can I continue working while doing the pre-apprenticeship Java training program?

Yes, although you should be focused on building your Java programming skills to be eligible for the paid apprenticeship. You may expect to spend 20+ hours per week dedicated to learning.

What is the daily time commitment?

Synchronous instructor-led sessions two evenings a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 9pm). Additionally, there are rigorous homework assignments and projects to complete on evenings and weekends. Expect to spend at least four hours a day on self-directed learning, and six hours per week on instructor-led instruction.  

Will I have an opportunity for paid work with Cognizant after I complete the pre-apprenticeship training?

You will have the opportunity to interview with Cognizant’s Digital Engineering team for a paid apprenticeship opportunity.

What skills will I have after I complete the pre-apprenticeship program?

You will complete the program with a wide range of in-demand Java development skills, including: objected-oriented principles, Java data structures, spring framework, REST and Web APIs, Java Unit Testing/Mocking (Junit, Mockito) and 12 Factor app.

Is everyone required to take the in-person North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate assessment?

Yes, everyone is required to take the in-person assessment. While on campus you must wear a face covering and practice social distancing. The college will continue to include guidance from the State of North Carolina, the NC Community College System Office, Mecklenburg County and other agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in their plans and practices.

What is the North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate?

The ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate is an assessment-based credential that gives employers and career seekers a uniform measure of key workplace skills. It offers a reliable means of determining whether a potential employee has the necessary literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills to be job-ready.

Do I have to pay for the North Carolina Readiness Certificate?

No, the NC Edge Customized Training Program funds the cost as part of the Cognizant expansion in Charlotte, North Carolina for assessments taken at Central Piedmont Community College.

How do I register for the North Carolina Readiness Certificate?

2022 intake is now closed.