(Elizabethtown, Ky.) – The Greater Knox Coding Academy at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is accepting applications until January 15, 2021 for its second session, which starts February 16, 2021 in a new, state-of-the-art, specialized learning space.
“We’ve seen the success of the first cohort and are excited to welcome new coding students to the program,” said Steve Bratcher, Coding Academy Program Coordinator. “Several students from the first session are already employed by organizations like local defense contractors and IT providers, earning $60,000 – $72,000. We’re proud of what we’ve seen them accomplish through the coding academy.”
Matt Perkins is President of Axiom Solutions, a local full-service provider of business IT needs. He hired Roy Wickware, a graduate of the first Coding Academy class, and is excited about the potential for career opportunities for other graduates of the program and the support it provides for small businesses. “We provide IT solutions and support, and we need well-trained, qualified IT specialists,” Perkins said. “The Coding Academy will help local businesses like mine that value the expertise and credentials that these students acquire. Roy has been a great hire, and I look forward to bringing more like him on board.”
Students who attend the Greater Knox Coding Academy will learn on equipment and software that reflects current and future standards in the coding industry, said ECTC’s Steve Bratcher, program coordinator.
“The 17-week coding academy is intensive,” Bratcher said. “This new, customized lab is the perfect environment for students to study, learn and reach their full potential.”
All computer stations in the lab have dual monitors with built-in computers, unique to the Greater Knox Coding Academy. Five large screens, in addition to the main screen, make interactive learning accessible and visible to all students, regardless of where they’re seated. The instructor can facilitate learning with a dedicated smart board.
The space also boasts a lounge area, Bratcher said, complete with kitchenette and refrigerator.
The coding academy trains people to be certified information technology professionals in 17 weeks and prepares them to test for certifications in CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Security+ and as an Oracle Java SE 8 Certified Junior Associate. These skills are in high demand from area employers as well as defense contractors that support Fort Knox and could lead to a career with a salary up to $65,000, Bratcher said.
Graduates of the program who pass all related exams could earn up to 19 college credit hours, which count toward the Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Technology programming track. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Students must be at least 17 years old at the start of class, pass a background check and complete three aptitude tests, which can be taken at ECTC. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2021.
“The Greater Knox Coding Academy is an excellent opportunity for students interested in IT,” Bratcher said. “In just a few short months graduates could be well on their way to a rewarding, high-paying career.”
Anyone interested in applying for the class starting February 16, 2021 should visit elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/coding academy, call 270-706-8700 or call/text Steve Bratcher at 270-307-9326.
