Become a Java Developer: OCP Certification & Job Ready

No prior experience is required. The bootcamp is specifically designed for complete beginners — Phase 1 starts from the very basics of programming and builds progressively through all three phases to enterprise Java development.

This is Code College's most comprehensive program. Unlike a 3-month bootcamp that covers one stack, this 12-month program gives you three complete technology stacks (Python/Django, MERN, and Java/Spring Boot) plus Docker, Microservices, and AI integration — the full breadth of skills that enterprise employers at companies like FNB, Standard Bank, and BMW require.

The Spring AI & LLM Integration module (80 hours) teaches you to build AI-powered features using the Spring AI framework — the same familiar Spring patterns you already know. You'll implement RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipelines using PgVector with PostgreSQL, build AI agents with tool calling and Model Context Protocol (MCP), and manage chat memory for conversational applications. Developers with these skills command a 20–40% salary premium in the market.

No. All core curriculum uses free, open-source tools. The Docker module enables local development at no cost. AWS deployment is an optional module (40 hours) for advanced students who want cloud experience — it is not required to complete the bootcamp.

The Java & AI Software Engineering Bootcamp runs for 10–12 months, covering 2000+ hours of training across three phases. It is full-time intensive with continuous enrollment — there are no breaks between phases to maintain momentum and ensure complete knowledge retention.

Both options are available. Students in Johannesburg attend on a hybrid basis (combination of in-person and online classes at our Woodmead campus). Students everywhere else attend 100% live online with the same instructors, curriculum, and interaction.

The final Capstone (80 hours) is a professional 5-microservice e-commerce platform built using Spring Boot, Docker, and AI features. This becomes the flagship project in your portfolio — the kind of real, production-quality project that enterprise employers specifically look for when hiring Java developers.

Our graduates secure employment within weeks at leading South African enterprises including FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, BMW, and Checkers/Shoprite, as well as international organisations. The Java, Spring Boot, Docker, and Microservices skills taught here are exactly what enterprise development teams require.

Yes. We offer flexible payment plans and student loan options to ensure cost is not a barrier. Visit codecollege.co.za/student-loans or contact us directly to discuss what works for your situation.

Yes. Upon completion you receive a Code College Java & AI Software Engineering Bootcamp certificate, plus a portfolio of real projects across all three phases — including your Capstone 5-microservice platform — that demonstrates your full capabilities to potential employers.

Code College is backed by Compuways — an IT recruitment firm founded in 1990, recognised as one of South Africa's top 4 IT recruiters. We've been training developers since 2004 and launched one of South Africa's first coding bootcamps in 2013/14, years before most competitors existed. That track record means our curriculum is built around what employers actually hire for. Compuways actively supports graduates with job placement at companies including FNB, Standard Bank, Absa, BMW, and Checkers/Shoprite.