[April 07, 2014]

Kaplan Test Prep and Ruby on Rails Leader thoughtbot Expand Metis Software Developer Bootcamp to New York City, Helping to Cultivate Talent for Gotham's Growing Tech Jobs Industry

The emerging market of technology bootcamps will gain a heavyweight entrant in New York City through the partnership of Kaplan Test Prep, the global leader in test prep, and thoughtbot, one of the world's leading development firms in Ruby on Rails, an opensource web framework using Ruby programming language. Under the brand of Metis, Kaplan and thoughtbot are launching a 12-week intensive training bootcamp in New York City for individuals interested in becoming entry-level Ruby on Rails web developers. Using curriculum informed by Kaplan's proprietary learning science and assessment insights and taught by thoughtbot experts, the Metis bootcamp will start on June 16, 2014 and culminate in a Hiring Day in September, which will connect Metis graduates with potential employers.

The Metis bootcamp launch comes on the heels of a new report ("The New York City Tech Ecosystem," April 2, 2014.) showing that 7% of New York City's workforce are employed in what the report dubs the "tech ecosystem," which includes all jobs in technology industries, as well as technology jobs in non-tech industries, and the self-employed. Combined with indirect jobs created through multiplier effects, the broader "tech ecosystem" comprises 12.5% of the city's total workforce, resulting in $124.7 billion in annual output. However, within this ecosystem, one of the most highly in-demand skills is in short supply: data from market research company GFK shows that 90% of companies surveyed reported difficulty trying to recruit for coders and developers, while data from Code.org anticipates 1 million more computing jobs than computer science students by 2020.

"Employer demand for technology sklls is outpacing supply, and we know that by combining Kaplan's experience in immersive, outcomes-based learning with thoughtbot's technology expertise we can help train top talent for hire," said Jason Moss, co-founder of Metis. "New York City has always been a rich source of talent, and we're excited to contribute to the tech-based economy of our nation's largest city."

According to U.S. News & World Report, the current average salary for a web developer working in New York City is $82,550.

Metis is designed as a new economy skills training (NEST) program to provide immersive training in skills that are in high demand in today's job market, preparing participants for hire. Under the competitive application process, candidates will be selected among applicants for an interview which will entail problem-solving questions. No more than 25 qualified applicants will be accepted for each cohort. Metis program participants will be trained in HTML5: Erb, CSS (News - Alert): Sass, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails and Git, and will learn how to independently create Ruby on Rails applications.

Metis' inaugural bootcamp -- held in Boston -- launched in February and will conclude in May; another Boston bootcamp for a second cohort of students begins on June 2.

To apply for the New York and Boston bootcamps, visit www.thisismetis.com. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Metis offers a $2000 scholarship for women, underrepresented minority groups, and veterans or members of the U.S. military. Metis has also partnered with Upstart, a firm that provides individuals with access to funding for career advancement in exchange for a percentage of their future earnings.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services. Additionally, Kaplan operates new economy skills training (NEST) bootcamps designed to provide immersive training in skills that are in high demand in today's job market and prepare participants for hire.

About thoughtbot

thoughtbot (thoughtbot.com) is a world-class consulting firm that makes web and mobile apps for early-stage startups and other organizations. Established in 2003, their consulting team consists of 65 designers, web developers, and mobile developers in Austin, Boston, San Francisco, Stockholm, Denver, Philadelphia, Raleigh, and New York City.

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC)

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