Fidgetech and Epicodus: Trade Certification in Web and Mobile Application Development for Young Adults Experiencing Autism

Fidgetech now offers a Web and Mobile Application Development trade certification program. 

Epicodus offers courses in C#, PHP, Javascript, .NET, Ruby, Rails, React, and more. Courses are organized into tracks of related technologies, with trade certification granted for successful completion of each track. 

Fidgetech Epicodus students complete standard Epicodus courses in a 1-to-4 instructor-to-student environment. Instruction is provided by a team of Fidgetech instructors. Students also receive specialized internship training. Graduates receive Epicodus trade certification, as well as real-life work experience through internships. 

Training 

Training is unlike the traditional classroom experience. Training is 100% hands-on and self-paced.  Students are encouraged to participate in “pair programming” techniques, which involves two people sharing one computer, taking turns at the keyboard and mouse. By working together, students catch each other's mistakes, teach each other new skills, and come up with ideas together that neither would think of alone. Pair programming is increasingly used by leading tech companies. 

Interpersonal interactions can be a significant obstacle for some people experiencing autism. Where obstacles to pair programming are difficult to overcome, other forms of collaborative activity are incorporated in the training. Students will take part in assignments and projects where programming is divided between two or more students. The process simulates common work conditions, where individuals combine their efforts to solve programming problems. 

Instructors 

Fidgetech instructors are certified graduates of the Epicodus training program. Epicodus instructors often join Fidgetech instructors in the classroom environment to provide a fully qualified training program. 

Location, Schedule, and Cost 

Fidgetech instruction is provided 9am - 4pm every weekday. The program is currently available virtually only.

Program fees for full-time students are $1,250/month. Monthly fees for a part-time student are  $700/month. Part-time students attend either a 9-12 or 1-4 schedule. 

In order to maintain a 1-to-4 instructor-to-student ratio and flexible attendance schedule, enrollment is limited. Contact us to determine when new students are being accepted and to be placed on the waiting list.

Equipment 

Students must provide their own laptop. Mac or PC are both acceptable. Contact David Karstens for equipment advice (contact information provided below). 

Workplace Skills Training 

Fidgetech Epicodus students learn essential workplace skills including communicating in the workplace, building credibility and confidence, decision-making and problem solving, and managing emotions and behavior. Workplace skills training is applied over the last few months of attendance. 

Internship Opportunities 

Fidgetech collaborates with Epicodus to place students in internships with local businesses. Internships take place after technical training is complete. Select internships will be chosen that provide a supportive environment for Fidgetech students.