Empowering Cloud Careers at Level Up in Tech: How Brokee Elevated a Top DevOps Bootcamp

About the Client

Level Up in Tech is a Cloud Career Bootcamp dedicated to helping individuals transition and advance their careers in the cloud. They specialize in providing hands-on experience, coaching, and career development for those looking to break into the cloud industry. 

Level Up in Tech’s founder, Broadus Palmer, has extensive experience in cloud technologies and education, having taught on platforms like A Cloud Guru. Recently, we named Level Up in Tech one of the top bootcamps for DevOps, highlighting their excellence in the field.

Our relationship with Level Up in Tech began in March, when one of their former students shared Brokee's platform with Broadus. Intrigued by the platform, Broadus engaged in discussions with us about its applications for training his students.

The Challenge

Level Up in Tech aimed to improve their cloud training program by offering students more practical experience. While they already had some hands-on solutions, they were looking for an innovative way to provide cloud experience without the complexities and costs of actual cloud service providers.

They also wanted labs that could simulate real-world IT infrastructure challenges, better preparing their students - many from non-technical backgrounds - for job interviews and the demands of cloud engineering roles.

The Solution

Brokee’s comprehensive and interactive skill-testing platform mirrors real-world IT infrastructure challenges, enabling students to practice and demonstrate their cloud skills in a risk-free environment. 

Broadus Palmer, impressed by the platform, decided to integrate it into Level Up in Tech's curriculum. We provided them with credits to test the platform, leading to the development of tailored tests focusing on AWS, Terraform, and other cloud-related topics. The tests range in difficulty, catering to both beginners and more advanced students.

Level Up in Tech used Brokee’s platform to facilitate collaborative group sessions, enabling students to work together on solving problems. They also use Brokee’s assessments at the end of courses to showcase students’ progress and achievements in DevOps.

The Benefits

Integrating Brokee into Level Up in Tech’s curriculum has yielded numerous benefits for both instructors and students. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Real-World Experience: Students gained hands-on experience in real cloud environments without the risk of incurring costs from cloud service providers.

2. Enhanced Learning: The platform's randomized test scenarios ensured that each test attempt presented new challenges, promoting deeper learning and problem-solving skills.

3. Ease of Use for Instructors: Instructors could easily assign tests, monitor student progress, and provide targeted feedback based on detailed performance reports.

4. Adaptability: Brokee developed easier tests and specific focus areas based on feedback, ensuring that the platform met the varying skill levels of the students.

5. Collaborative Learning: Group testing sessions facilitated peer learning and collaboration, mimicking real-world team environments.

6. Automated Feedback: The platform provided automatic feedback and learning materials for students, helping them understand and improve on their mistakes.

Client Feedback

Broadus Palmer has been enthusiastic about Brokee, stating that it's "fantastic for what they do" and that he loves using the platform. He emphasized that Brokee significantly enhances the curriculum. 

Students from Level Up in Tech have also shared positive feedback, describing Brokee’s tests as a "great experience," a "rewarding challenge," and noting that they "give you hands-on experience of what fixing a real-world deployment is like." 

One student even continued a subscription with Brokee after completing the course to keep practicing with our live labs, highlighting the platform's value in preparing students for entry-level careers.

What's Next?

The partnership between Level Up in Tech and Brokee has proven to be highly beneficial. By integrating Brokee's platform into their curriculum, Level Up in Tech has enhanced the hands-on learning experience for their students, better preparing them for careers in cloud engineering. 

Our ongoing collaboration with Level Up in Tech promises continued innovation, with plans to develop more specialized and advanced tests to further enhance DevOps learning for their students.

The Best DevOps Bootcamps in 2024

We've compiled this article to help you discover the best DevOps bootcamps and courses in 2024 to level up your career. Explore online training programs and find the right bootcamp to learn and practice DevOps theories, tools, and hands-on work.

The Significance of DevOps

DevOps, or developmental operations, combines philosophies, practices, and tools to enhance a company's ability to deliver high-quality and efficient applications and services. This field is crucial in today's tech landscape and offers robust career opportunities for both novices and experienced professionals.

With the average salary for a DevOps engineer at $114,107 annually, according to Glassdoor, those who undergo training can access higher salaries and expanded career options, even without prior experience.

What is a DevOps Bootcamp?

A DevOps bootcamp is a training program designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of DevOps, which focuses on collaboration, automation, and integration between software developers and IT operations teams.

Why Attend a DevOps Bootcamp?

Acquiring Skills and Knowledge

DevOps bootcamps offer a structured learning environment focused on real-world skills applicable immediately in the tech field. These programs often include building a professional portfolio and enhancing soft skills, key for a successful career in technology. With courses tailored to teach practical and theoretical aspects, attendees leave with a solid understanding of DevOps practices and tools.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Bootcamps are geared towards career advancement, providing the technical skills needed in the rapidly growing field of DevOps. Many participants secure employment shortly after completion, with bootcamps significantly enhancing employability. The intense focus on current industry standards and practices makes bootcamp graduates highly attractive to potential employers.

Networking Opportunities

Attending a DevOps bootcamp opens up numerous networking opportunities within the community. Participants connect with professionals, instructors, and fellow students who are active in the field, providing valuable contacts that can lead to job opportunities and collaborations.

Additional Benefits of DevOps Bootcamps

• Flexibility: Many DevOps bootcamps offer self-paced and part-time options, allowing students to learn at their own pace and schedule, which is ideal for those who are working or have other commitments.

• Affordability: Compared to traditional degrees, bootcamps are more affordable and offer various payment plans. This makes them an accessible option for those looking to break into the tech industry without incurring significant debt.

• Accessibility: Bootcamps often require no previous experience in the field, making them a viable option for career changers or individuals starting their tech journey.

Selecting the ideal DevOps bootcamp involves careful consideration of several key factors to ensure it aligns with your career goals and learning style. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you make an informed decision:

Key Considerations for Selecting a DevOps Bootcamp

• Hands-on Learning: Prioritize bootcamps that emphasize practical exercises, projects, and labs. This should be your top priority when selecting a DevOps bootcamp; real-world experience is crucial for mastering DevOps tools and practices.

• Instructor Expertise: Ensure that the instructors are experienced DevOps practitioners. Instructors who are active in the field can offer up-to-date insights and best practices.

• Certification Preparation: If obtaining a certification is a goal, choose a bootcamp that prepares you for recognized DevOps certifications such as Azure DevOps or AWS DevOps Engineer.

• Flexible Pacing: Consider bootcamps that offer flexible scheduling options, such as self-paced online courses. This is particularly important if you need to balance learning with other commitments.

• Alumni Reviews: Research what past students say about their experiences. Alumni reviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the bootcamp and its relevance to current industry demands.

By evaluating each of these factors, you can select a DevOps bootcamp that not only meets your educational needs but also enhances your professional opportunities in the tech industry.

Our Selection of Top 10 DevOps Bootcamps

We've selected the following ten DevOps bootcamps due to many criteria, including the availability of hands-on labs and DevOps playgrounds, course projects, one-on-one instructor and mentor time, skills tested, certificate offerings, time of program, and value of the program. Here are the best DevOps bootcamps we discovered:

Simplilearn Master DevOps Engineer Certification Course

Details of the Program

This 10-week online program is aimed at professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of DevOps. It covers deployment methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, observability, and uses tools like Git, Docker, and Jenkins.

What You'll Learn

The program promises a deep dive into DevOps engineering with a focus on practical applications and mastering industry-relevant tools and skills.

Pricing

The course fee is $2,000, which includes access to Google Cloud Hands-on Labs and real-life project work.

Pros

• Includes certification upon completion.

• Intensive interaction and hands-on learning.

Cons

• High cost and short duration of course may not suffice for all learners.

CalTech’s Post Graduate Program in DevOps

Details of the Program

This 36-week bootcamp is offered in collaboration with IBM and focuses on bridging the gap between software development and operations using modern DevOps tools.

What You'll Learn

The curriculum includes extensive training in continuous deployment, configuration management tools like Puppet, Chef, SaltStack, and Ansible, and cutting-edge technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.

Pricing

The program fee is $4,849, which includes access to Capstone projects and industry masterclasses.

Pros

• Comprehensive and reputable program with a strong emphasis on hands-on projects.

• Access to exclusive job portals and career services.

Cons

• Relatively long duration commitment required.

Level Up in Tech Cloud Program

Details of the Program

Level Up in Tech offers a comprehensive 6-step process designed to launch careers in tech, focusing on fundamental and advanced cloud and DevOps skills.

What You'll Learn

Participants will learn server configuration, troubleshooting, infrastructure as code, CI/CD, scripting, containerization, and more, with a focus on AWS Cloud.

Pricing

Available upon request.

Pros

• Extensive curriculum with hands-on learning and real-world project work.

• Strong community support and personalized coaching.

• High quality live DevOps labs.

Cons

• Pricing information appears to be available upon request.

Fullstack Academy Cloud Computing Bootcamp

Details of the Program

This 26-week program is designed to teach cloud computing and DevOps skills, integrated with job search support and portfolio development. This program is used at many institutions, including The University of Illinois Chicago DevOps Bootcamp and The University of North Florida DevOps Bootcamp.

What You'll Learn

The curriculum includes AWS, Microsoft Azure technologies, and a comprehensive set of cloud computing fundamentals and advanced concepts.

Pricing

The tuition for the bootcamp is $14,495, which includes extensive hands-on project work and career services.

Pros

• Comprehensive and immersive program with excellent job preparation.

• High level of student support and industry recognition.

Cons

• One of the more expensive options without including certifications.

WeCloudData DevOps Engineering Bootcamp

Details of the Program

WeCloudData offers a flexible learning experience that combines self-paced materials with mentor sessions. This bootcamp focuses on equipping participants with real-world DevOps skills through practical, industry-relevant scenarios.

What You'll Learn

The bootcamp covers an array of DevOps tools and systems, emphasizing real-world applications and hands-on project work to ensure job readiness.

Pricing

$4,000 (self-paced materials + 30-hour mentor support) to $6,000 (adds 6-month career services to the Standard Package).

Pros

• Capstone project provides hands-on learning experience.

• In-depth mentorship and career services available.

Cons

• Higher price point for the packages offered.

• Lacks structured, real-time lab environments.

Cloud Academy

Details of the Program

Cloud Academy offers a platform for upskilling in cloud technologies and DevOps, utilizing AI-assisted training solutions to enhance learning outcomes.

What You'll Learn

The training spans multiple cloud platforms, including AWS, Google Cloud, and more, focusing on practical skills through hands-on exercises.

Pricing

Annual membership is priced at $199.

Pros

• one of the more affordable options available.

• AI-assisted personalized training enhances learning efficiency.

Cons

• Less focused on DevOps specifically, more broad in scope covering general cloud skills.

• Some details on hands-on learning specifics are unclear, so it may lack sufficient labs and playgrounds.

KodeKloud DevOps Courses and Labs

Details of the Program

KodeKloud offers a unique approach to learning DevOps by providing a platform that combines theory with hands-on practical experience. With over 75 courses and more than 600 hands-on labs, KodeKloud allows users to engage in real-world scenarios through its DevOps and Cloud Playgrounds. These environments are ideal for experimentation and learning without the risk of impacting real systems.

What You'll Learn

Participants gain experience in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms through sandboxed environments, alongside a comprehensive list of DevOps practices and tools.

Pricing

KODEKLOUD PRO is available at $21 per month, billed annually at $250. This subscription includes access to all standard features like 60+ DevOps playgrounds, three cloud playgrounds, all courses, and hands-on labs.

Pros

• Extensive labs and sandboxes for hands-on learning.

• Affordable and flexible pricing with easy cancellation.

Cons

• Lacks structured coursework, more suitable for self-directed learners.

A Cloud Guru DevOps Courses and Labs

Details of the Program

A Cloud Guru has served over 2.2 million engineers, offering courses designed using proven adult learning principles. The program includes fresh courses and labs that cover a range of cloud platforms and DevOps tools.

What You'll Learn

The curriculum spans across AWS, Azure, and GCP, featuring cloud playgrounds, practice exams, and hands-on labs. This diverse toolkit helps users prepare for and pass certification exams while gaining practical cloud skills.

Pricing

Pricing varies between $350 and $588 per person, depending on individual or business use.

Pros

• Comprehensive learning tools and fresh course content.

• Suitable for all skill levels from novice to expert.

Cons

• More expensive than some alternatives.

• Primarily focuses on cloud platforms with a broad approach to DevOps.

• Lacks structured coursework, more suitable for self-directed learners.

Nucamp ‘Become a Back End, SQL, and DevOps Developer with Python’ Bootcamp

Details of the Program

Over 16 weeks, this bootcamp focuses on Python programming, SQL databases, and the use of major cloud services. The program includes weekly live workshops and project work.

What You'll Learn

Students gain skills in Python, Postgres SQL, Docker, Flask, Django, and various DevOps practices, preparing them to deploy applications across major cloud platforms.

Pricing

The monthly cost ranges from $150 to $170, depending on the payment plan.

Pros

• Interactive with live instruction.

• Covers a broad range of technologies and tools.

Cons

• Lacks more intensive, hands-on lab experiences.

Clarusway AWS & DevOps Course

Details of the Program

Spanning 37 weeks, this course prepares students for a career in AWS DevOps, focusing on practical skills and certification preparation.

What You'll Learn

The course offers extensive hands-on learning through labs, projects, and includes mentorship and career services.

Pricing

Total course fee is $7,950, reflecting the depth and duration of the program.

Pros

• Highly rated with extensive curriculum and support services.

Cons

• High cost and long duration may be barriers for some students.

• No certifications are included with this cost.

Final Word

DevOps bootcamps provide a compelling pathway for those looking to enter or advance in the fast-evolving tech landscape. By offering focused, practical training in key areas of cloud, CI/CD, and system operations, these programs equip participants with the skills necessary to excel in DevOps roles.

Whether you're a beginner looking to break into the field or an experienced professional aiming to upgrade your skills, the right DevOps bootcamp can significantly influence your career trajectory, making it a worthwhile investment in today’s digital economy.

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DevOps Bootcamp FAQs

What can I learn in a DevOps bootcamp?

In a DevOps bootcamp, you will acquire skills such as tool proficiency, project management, cloud technologies like AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Azure, Ansible, as well as coding practices, software development principles, pipeline orchestration, and realtime system reliability.

Are there free DevOps bootcamps available online?

Yes, some platforms offer free online DevOps bootcamp programs to help individuals kickstart their journey into becoming a DevOps engineer, providing practice exercises and video instructions. Often, these free courses don't have hands-on labs, which can be good for beginners, but not recommended for those trying to start a career.

What are Alternatives to DevOps Bootcamps?

For those considering alternatives to DevOps bootcamps, there are several other effective ways to learn and develop necessary skills in this field. Here are some popular options:

1. Online Courses and Tutorials

Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses that cover specific DevOps tools and methodologies. These platforms allow for a more self-directed approach, enabling learners to focus on particular areas of interest or need.

2. University Degrees and DevOps Academies

Pursuing a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can provide a more comprehensive education. University programs offer in-depth studies in programming, systems administration, and network management, which are foundational to a career in DevOps.

3. Professional Certifications

Certifications from organizations like the Linux Foundation, AWS, Microsoft, or Google can validate your skills and knowledge in DevOps practices. Preparing for these certifications often involves rigorous study, which can be done through self-study, guided online courses, or official training programs.

4. Apprenticeships and Internships

Gaining hands-on experience through an apprenticeship or an internship with a tech company can provide practical knowledge and insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of DevOps roles. This path also helps in building professional networks and can often lead to full-time employment.

5. Industry Conferences and Workshops

Attending industry-specific events like DevOpsDays, AWS re:Invent, or Microsoft Ignite can offer opportunities to learn from leading experts and practitioners. Workshops and seminars provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, along with the latest trends and tools in the industry.

6. Meetups and Community Groups

Joining local or online DevOps communities can be an excellent way to learn informally. These groups often host regular meetups, hackathons, and discussion forums where members share insights, best practices, and challenges.

7. Self-Learning through Open Source Projects

Contributing to open source projects can be a practical way to learn DevOps tools and practices. This involves real-world problem-solving and collaboration, which are critical components of DevOps work.

Prepare DevOps Students for the Real World with Brokee

In the rapidly evolving field of DevOps, the gap between educational theory and practical, real-world experience is a significant hurdle for both educators and students. Today's educational programs are under increasing pressure to ensure that students are job-ready upon course completion. 

The success of a course is often measured by the ability of students to secure employment, which increasingly depends on their hands-on experience with the tools and practices they will encounter in their careers, not just certifications or classroom hours.

Enter Brokee, a comprehensive training and testing platform designed to bridge this gap. Brokee offers real-world experience across the spectrum of DevOps practices, from basic to advanced levels, covering all major cloud providers. It's not just a training tool; it ensures students are prepared for the real challenges of technical interviews and a DevOps career. 

Common Pain Points in DevOps Education

We've talked to educational leaders and learned there are many challenges when it comes to teaching DevOps and Cloud to students. These are some of the biggest pain points we've discovered and have addressed with Brokee:

1. Unprepared Students for the Real World

Many educational programs struggle to provide students with the practical experience necessary for today's tech jobs. Traditional learning models often fall short in preparing students for the complexities and rapid changes in the DevOps sector.

1. Lack of Practice Environments

Without a platform like Brokee, educators are faced with the daunting task of creating relevant, current, and unbiased projects. The logistical challenges of setting up diverse cloud environments and ensuring all projects are up-to-date add to this burden.

3. Providing Accurate Feedback 

Traditional methods of assessment and feedback often don't meet the needs of DevOps education, where detailed, specific guidance is crucial. Students want to learn how to improve, and instructors can be challenged to present feedback in a constructive and clear way.

1. Ensuring Integrity

Ensuring the academic integrity of remote and hands-on tests presents its own set of challenges. Anti-cheating measures are especially tough for remote educators who teach in virtual classrooms, where it's tough to keep an eye on students.

1. Scalability Challenges

Scaling educational content to fit class sizes while maintaining consistency across different learning environments is a significant challenge, exacerbated by the rise of remote learning.

Benefits of Brokee for DevOps Education

We've created a platform full of features that help educators ensure students are ready for their careers in DevOps. These are some of the biggest advantages we hear from educators who use Brokee:

Real-World Environment Access

At the heart of Brokee's value proposition is our ability to provide unparalleled access to real-world DevOps environments. This feature enables students to immerse themselves in hands-on experience with the technologies and practices they'll likely encounter in their careers.

By navigating actual cloud platforms, managing containers, and troubleshooting real-time issues, learners gain a depth of understanding and confidence that classroom learning alone cannot provide.

Curriculum Integration

Brokee's design facilitates seamless integration into existing curriculums, enriching traditional educational content with interactive, live testing labs. We've made it so Brokee enhances the learning experience and ensures that students are engaging with material that reflects the latest industry standards and practices.

Educators can incorporate Brokee's labs into their lesson plans, making the leap from theory to practice both smooth and natural.

Scalability and Ease of Use

Understanding the diverse needs of educational programs, Brokee addresses challenges related to scalability and accessibility head-on. Our platform is built to ensure that every student, regardless of the class size or their individual learning environment, has equal access to its resources.

We pride ourselves on an extremely user-friendly interface, making it easy for both students and educators to navigate its comprehensive suite of tools.

Continuous Update Cycle

DevOps is a field characterized by rapid evolution, and Brokee’s commitment to a continuous update cycle ensures that its labs will always reflect the current landscape of the industry. Since Brokee is built by DevOps experts and engineers with deep field experience, our platform keeps educational programs relevant and prepares students for the quickly evolving realities of a career in technology.

Automated Feedback and AI Summaries

Brokee's automated feedback mechanisms provide immediate, actionable insights into student performance, using AI to generate summaries that explain what students did correctly and where they need improvement. This feature is invaluable for educators who seek to provide personalized guidance to each student, ensuring that learning is both effective and targeted.

Anti-Cheating Measures

Addressing concerns about academic integrity, Brokee incorporates advanced anti-cheating measures that reflect the realities of modern DevOps work. By promoting the use of legitimate resources and tools within its testing framework, Brokee prepares students for the collaborative, resourceful nature of tech careers.

Additionally, the platform's ability to randomize test problems ensures a fair, challenging learning experience for all users.

Brokee: Use Cases in Education

Enhanced Learning With Live Labs

Educators often spend countless hours creating, managing, and scoring take-home work and labs, but with Brokee, they can instantly deploy real-world, pre-configured scenarios. This not only saves valuable time but also ensures that students are exposed to a variety of unique, randomized problems that mimic actual DevOps challenges. 

The result is a more efficient, engaging, and effective educational process where students gain practical skills ready for the workforce, and educators can focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks.

Ideal for Remote Learning

Brokee is a perfect tool for both testing and labs in remote learning settings. Educators can see how students are applying lessons in live environments, using playback features, history of commands, and final results.

The platform is also perfect for virtual labs, where instructors can lead students through each part of common DevOps scenarios: troubleshooting cloud infrastructure, operating and automating multiple servers in complex environments, managing containers, and more.

Collaborative Problem-Solving Sessions

Brokee allows educators to create live environments for group learning. Imagine a classroom where, instead of hypothetical scenarios, students are grouped into teams to navigate real-time challenges presented by Brokee. The teacher acts not just as an instructor, but as a guide, steering students through complex problem-solving processes.

This practical application fosters a deeper understanding of DevOps principles and enhances teamwork skills, preparing students for the collaborative nature of the tech industry.

Large-Scale Exams

Traditional exams often fail to fully assess a student’s ability to handle real-world tech problems. Brokee changes the game by supporting mass examinations where hundreds of students can undertake tests simultaneously, each facing unique, randomized problems that mimic actual DevOps challenges. 

This not only levels the playing field by providing every student with a distinct set of tasks but also enables institutions to efficiently gauge the practical skills of a large cohort, ensuring that their graduates are truly ready for the workforce.

Try a Free Demo!

We invite educators and industry professionals alike to experience Brokee firsthand. Discover how our platform can revolutionize your approach to DevOps training, from basic operations in Linux servers to managing complex cloud environments. With Brokee, you get not just a tool, but a partner in education and training. 

Our flexible pricing, test-credits system, and inclusive access for team evaluations ensure that our platform adapts to your specific needs. Don’t take our word for it; contact us for a free demo and see for yourself how we can tailor our offerings to best support your goals.

Prepare the Next Generation of DevOps Students for Success

The importance of hands-on, practical experience cannot be overstated. Help equip your students with the practical experience they need to get hired in a DevOps role they enjoy.

Brokee stands ready to prepare the next generation of DevOps professionals for the challenges ahead, ensuring they are not just educated, but truly job-ready. Explore Brokee and take the first step towards transforming your approach to DevOps education and training.