Java Immersion Program for Whole Companies

The STAP is the industry's original Object-Oriented immersion program

Primary Goals

1.  Accelerate acquisition of Java Expertise

After completing the STAP, apprentices (STAP participants) shall be using VisualAge Java  with the same proficiency and confidence that would otherwise take six to twelve months to acquire in an ad-hoc setting. Apprentices become experienced developers that lead and staff future object-oriented development efforts.

2. Accelerate development of the client's medium-to large-scale application

After completing the STAP, apprentices will have built a working application prototype of the clients project not just a few pretty screens and the “easy stuff4, but a portion of the actual production code, complete with database hookups, distribution, and all the other more difficult pieces of development. The apprentices will possess the skills and knowledge to complete the project on their own.Principles

• The STAP focuses on a specific client project and is customized accordingly.
• Apprentices have successfully completed two KSC VisualAge Java courses  before the STAP and are familiar with all other project technologies and tools.
• The STAP involves 3 apprentices.
• The typical STAP lasts 11 consecutive weeks.  The location of the STAP alternates between KSC and the client's site.
• Each STAP is directed by an experienced KSC STAP leader.
• In the last twelve years, KSC STAPs have trained hundreds of developers.  Over the years, feedback from STAP apprentices and leaders has motivated continuous STAP improvement and refinement.  This feedback is responsible for the principles detailed below.
  

The STAP focuses on a specific client project and is customized accordingly.

• STAPs are project-focused. A successful STAP requires a specific, well-defined project with validated requirements and documented success criteria. STAP apprentices are most effective when working in their own application domain with real requirements and deadlines.
• Every STAP is different because every project is different.  STAPs are tailored to emphasize those topics most valuable to the project and apprentices.

Typical topics include:

Apprentices are encouraged to have successfully completed two KSC  VisualAge Java  courses before the STAP and are familiar with all other project technologies and tools.

Training in the basics of object orientation  and VisualAge Java  is less expensive and more quickly provided in the classroom.  A lack of preparation wastes precious STAP time and delays the project.

Many projects require enabling technologies such as relational databases, specialized business knowledge and networking technologies. KSC strongly recommends that the apprentices receive training and practical experience in these technologies before the STAP begins.

The STAP involves 3 apprentices.

This number guarantees ample individual attention while assuring satisfactory project progress.  For those clients that need to train more than three apprentices at one time, multiple STAPs may be conducted consecutively or concurrently.

The typical STAP lasts 11 consecutive weeks.  The location of the STAP alternates between KSC and the clients site.

Why is the STAP less effective when held solely at the clients site?   Learning any new technology is more efficient when continuous, uninterrupted time is available for the task; the apprentices encounter fewer distractions when they learn at KSC.  Also, the wealth of Java and object expertise with KSC is readily available to the apprentices when specific situations demand it.

Why does the STAP location alternate?   The two-week periods at KSC are intense learning experiences  liable to overload apprentices when sustained for much longer.  Apprentices are expected to continue project development (as directed by their STAP leader) during the weeks away from KSC.  Although low-key and interspersed with back-in-the-office activities, this independent work allows apprentices to internalize the Java and object knowledge studied with KSC.

The 11-week STAP length is necessary for larger, more complex projects.   In some cases, a shorter STAP may be appropriate.

Each STAP is directed by an experienced KSC STAP leader.

• The STAP leaders goal is to ensure the success of the STAP experience for his/her apprentices. This involves managing the STAP project, presenting and scheduling lectures, reviewing exercises, providing expert mentoring and support, and assisting in the Java programming effort.  STAP leaders must possess a wide range of talents and skills.
• KSC commonly refers to each STAP leader as a STAP Master.  This reflects the strong mentoring emphasis of the STAP the STAP Master shares much with the master craftsman.