Absolutely! More than 1,500 companies across the U.S. have hired Centriq grads. And every one of these grads learned their technology skills in just four months. How? Because technology is all we teach. There are no general education classes like at traditional colleges. Everything you learn at Centriq you will use in your IT or coding job. Plus, our classes are hands-on. The best way to learn technology is to just do it. So, you are practicing what you learn as you learn it. By the end of your four months, you will be doing the exact things employers will ask you to do in your new job.
The simplest way to say it is: No history, no biology, just technology. Centriq focuses exclusively on training you for the job skills required to get started in a tech career. The goal of 2–4-year schools is to provide a general, well-rounded education. That’s why traditional colleges and community colleges require that more than 50% of your classes are in “general education” – which may or may not help you advance your career goals. By teaching only the technology job skills you need, Centriq can “accelerate” your education time frame and ensure that the technology you are learning is not outdated.
There’s no question that IT has historically been a field dominated by white men. But the good news is that landscape is rapidly changing into an industry that welcomes people from all demographics. With the push to increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts across all industries, IT career opportunities for underrepresented groups have never been greater! At Centriq, we aim to train a diverse tech workforce, which is why we offer an annual full-ride Diversity Scholarship for women, BIPOC, and members of the LGBTQIA community. Ask about other partial scholarships available for members of these groups.
In today’s economy where the demand for skilled IT workers significantly exceeds the supply of qualified candidates, most employers are more interested in candidates who have the right skills to perform the job. According to recent Census data, about 25% of IT workers don’t have a four-year degree or higher. In a CompTIA Employer Perception Study, almost half of the 2.3 million IT job postings did not list a four-year degree as a minimum requirement for candidates. While there are still some companies and some positions that require a degree, most job opportunities do not. These opportunities are being filled with individuals with the right technology job skills.
This is one of our most frequently asked questions and the answer is “Yes you can”! Centriq’s programs are designed specifically for individuals with little or no technology experience. In fact, over 90% of our students have no technology experience at all. That’s why we’ve developed a hands-on methodology that builds each week on the skills you learned the previous week. By working with the technology you are reinforcing what you learn throughout the program. At the end of the program, you are a skilled IT/Security professional or developer ready to contribute to your new job.
Unlike traditional schools, which are unable to modify their curriculum easily or quickly, we continually update our programs. Our goal is to ensure our students are trained on the most up-to-date tech skills companies are using and looking for in candidates. How do we determine this?
- We ask our Employer Network which skills and technologies they anticipate utilizing
- We ask our alumni for feedback on the technologies in their workplace
- We talk with recruiters looking to hire IT professionals about the skill sets they need
- We study the skill sets listed on all the job boards
At Centriq, we focus on two technology fields: coding or IT networking/security. Coders write software for websites and different types of apps (or applications). Networking IT professionals are more involved with the setup and operation of the computer systems (networks) and devices that manage a company’s entire operation and the protection of the systems and the data they store. The skillsets needed to be successful for the two areas are different. Centriq offers a unique Career Evaluation Tool that helps determine which area is right for you.
In 2021, 98% of all students that began the program completed it. When someone doesn’t complete the program, it is generally due to personal reasons such as a family emergency, illness or a spouse being transferred. One of the main reasons for our graduation success rate is the accelerated four-month time frame. Another reason is Centriq’s commitment to our students. Our Instructor and Student Services teams work closely to assist each student throughout the program. They are able to identify any potential issues and work through them with the student promptly. We strive every day to live up to our core value of No Student Left Behind.
The first step is a telephone call with an IT Education Consultant to find out more about your goals, how Centriq can help you achieve them, and to answer any questions you may have. As part of the initial call, you will receive Centriq’s Career Evaluation Tool to help determine which area of technology is right for you. Your IT Education Consultant will review your Career Evaluation results and discuss next steps: submitting your application. The application process can be finalized and your seat in the next session reserved in a matter of days.
Many students find out if their loan is approved within 24 hours. Other times the lender may require additional information. In this case the approval may take up to a week. Our IT Education Consultant, however, is available to assist you by answering any questions you may have and making suggestions.
Yes! As of 2021, Centriq offers both live online training and live in-person training. Students in the KC and STL Metro areas are invited to attend the training in-person at our facilities. For students in other geographies, we offer the same great programs utilizing live virtual training. Both programs include live full-time instructors. Regardless of whether your classroom is in-person or virtual, you learn the skills that you will need perform the job.
Yes! There are both daytime and evening options available for our students. Because of the shorter hours, the evening program takes approximately seven months.
It is in the best interests of Microsoft that IT professionals are well trained in the implementation and utilization of Microsoft software and other products. To train these IT professionals and developers, Microsoft partners with IT solution providers around the world. The top Microsoft partners are recognized as Gold Microsoft Partners. This designation is based on both the quantity and quality of the services provided. As a Gold Microsoft Partner, Centriq is recognized by Microsoft as one of the leading IT service companies in the world.
Yes. Like all “proprietary” or “private post-secondary” schools, Centriq is required to seek annual approval to operate its programs by the state approving agency where it is located. Since Centriq is in Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, MO, Centriq is approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Every year Centriq must complete a comprehensive application that addresses all aspects of the school and its programs, including instructor staff, curriculum, facilities, history, placement success and financial resources of the school. Other states generally honor the Missouri authorization. However, some states require additional authorization.