Starting in 2022, we're moving our award-winning Bootcamp format from 9 weeks to 12 weeks - here's why.
Since 2012, we’ve been transforming tech by helping those underrepresented in the industry launch and grow careers they love. Our focus has always been making our programs accessible, innovative, and fun, while building a supportive and inclusive student and alumni experience.
When we launched our first Web Development Bootcamp in 2014, our students were choosing this new and non-traditional education route in order to launch their new careers as fast as possible. We’re so proud to have helped over 1,000 graduates achieve amazing outcomes with high employment rates, impressive jobs, and positions spanning across unique small startups, to large companies like Telus and Loblaw Digital. And most recently, we welcomed our very first Data Analytics Bootcamp cohort.
It’s become clear that in these increasingly precedented unprecedented times that the world of work is changing, and we want to change along with it. You’ve probably heard that Juno’s work culture is shifting, and we didn’t want to stop with just our team - we wanted our students to reap the benefits of our revised approach to work/life balance.
We have many exciting changes planned to better serve the needs of our students and community in 2022 and beyond, and I wanted to tell you more about the first of these changes: the move from 9 weeks to a 12-week Bootcamp format!
Why are we making this move, and how will our students benefit?
If you’ve ever been a part of a Juno classroom, you know that we want candid and detailed feedback about our students’ experiences and that we take it super seriously. We analyze, action, and store all student feedback to make immediate improvements.
Over the last two years, there has been a lot of focus on how, when, and why we work - specifically, balancing learning, earning income, and other necessary care tasks when resources have been lacking. This has led to more feedback from our students that the addition of a few more weeks to Bootcamp would make a big difference in some key areas:
1. More Time to Absorb Content
Redesigned Bootcamp Curriculum
We’re redesigning our curriculum to give more time for students to absorb course content and leave the program with a solid foundation. This includes in-class application (e.g. code-alongs, small group discussions, and practical exercises), project work time, as well as time outside of Bootcamp to review notes and work on homework.
This additional time will also be especially beneficial for weeks that have more challenging learning modules, such as JavaScript and React in our Web Development Bootcamp.
2. Increased Accessibility
Future OSAP eligibility
Programs under 12 weeks, regardless of their accreditation, are not OSAP-eligible. Moving to a 12-week format means that for the first time ever, Juno will be able to apply for OSAP eligibility for all of our Bootcamps!
Please note that Juno's Bootcamps are not currently OSAP eligible, but we will announce once this option is available to students.
Reduced homework
In the 9-week format, students are asked to expect 20-30 hours of homework on top of the 40 hours of class time. Our new 12-week format allows us to spread content out, dedicate more in-class time to project work, and will include a full day of independent work time within the 40 hour per week commitment.
Students will have a significantly reduced homework load, making our program more accessible to folks who have care tasks outside of working hours or who may need to keep a few part-time working hours, for example.
Easier managed group work
Students will have ample project work time during class time. This means significantly less time needed outside of class to coordinate with others to make sure they can meet for group projects.
3. Practice Working Independently
TGIF
Starting in 2022, Juno will be transitioning towards a 4-day workweek of Monday to Thursday. While we will not have instructor-led classes on Fridays, students will dedicate this day to developing critical independent and group work skills.
Problem solving, critical thinking, and resourcefulness are skills that every technical student should master. Having a dedicated day each week to practice these skills will help prepare our grads to succeed in their new tech jobs.
4. Jumpstart the Job Search
More Integrated Career Services Curriculum
Previously, our stellar Career Services team delivered curriculum throughout and after our 9-week Bootcamp. Moving to 12 weeks has given us the opportunity to better integrate all of the Career Services curriculum into the Bootcamp itself, so that students can implement an informed job search strategy before graduation.
Supported Job Applications
Students will get a headstart on their job search before graduation by learning Juno’s proven job search strategy. They’ll get to practice through real job applications, with the support of instructors and Career Success Specialists.
5. Physical & Mental Health Care
Bootcamp is an intensive process, and we want to make sure that students have time to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves and loved ones during this big life change. We hope the introduction of more in-class time for work will help with this as well!
In January 2022, Juno will also be launching a revamped collection of mental health resources, policies, and procedures for staff and students alike. We will also be launching a partnership with our friends over at Maple to provide mental health services for our Bootcamp students and recent graduates!
What’s not changing?
1. Admission Requirements & Tuition
Our admissions process, requirements - other than time commitment from 9 to 12 weeks, of course - and tuition will not be changing or increasing!
Scholarships and our innovative financial options such as our Income Share Agreements will continue to apply to all Juno Bootcamps.
2. Teaching Strategy
We remain dedicated to Juno’s signature learning experience. Moving to a 12-week format will allow us to expand our distinct mix of interactive and discussion-enhanced lecture-based learning, experiential project-based learning, and community learning and accountability.
Bootcamps will continue to comprise of lectures, code-alongs, in-class exercises, module-based projects, discussions, and collaboration led by a diverse team of passionate industry experts!
3. In-Class Time Commitment
We ask that all Bootcamp hopefuls are prepared to commit Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 6:00pm ET, for the 12 weeks of Bootcamp. Bootcamp grads should also expect a 3-6 month dedicated job search, supported by our Career Services team!
4. Juno's Amazing Community
Community is SO important to Juno! We expect this change will help foster an even tighter community experience for new Juno students, with more time to connect with cohortmates outside of class, seek mentorship, network, and make lifelong friendships.
We’re so excited for the many changes to come and we’ll be sharing more soon!
Pondering a career change?
Our Bootcamps are designed to equip you with the skills and support needed to launch your new tech career, fast.