Exploring University Bootcamp Partnership Models: Build, Buy, or Partner

Why University Bootcamp Partnership's Matter?

In today's rapidly evolving job market, the need for continuous learning and upskilling has never been more critical. When considering how to support their communities, University Presidents, Provosts and Deans of Continuing Education have a number of different options in front of them. Enter the University Bootcamp Partnership option.

As outlined in Roman Gryshuk’s March 22, 2024 EducateMe article entitled “Bootcamp Partnerships: Benefits and Effects on Bootcamp Graduates’ Placement”, universities and colleges are increasingly looking towards bootcamps as a solution to bridge the skills gap and meet the demands of both young professionals and employers.

However, the approach to integrating bootcamps into post-secondary offerings can vary significantly. This Wolf & Willow Solutions article explores the three main models for university bootcamp partnerships: Build, Buy, or Partner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Three Bootcamp Partnership Models:

Build, Buy, or Partner

1. Exploring the Build Model

Building a bootcamp from scratch involves a university or college creating its own curriculum, hiring instructors, and managing the entire program internally. This higher education bootcamp partner model allows institutions to tailor the bootcamp precisely to their standards and the needs of their students.

Strengths

• Customization: Universities have complete control over the curriculum and can tailor it to fit the specific needs of their student population and local job market.

• Brand Integrity: Maintaining the bootcamp under the university's brand ensures consistency in quality and reputation.

• Integration: Seamless integration with existing university programs and services can enhance the overall student experience.
  

Weaknesses

• Resource Intensive: Developing a bootcamp requires significant time, money, and human resources. This includes hiring qualified instructors, developing curriculum, and investing in marketing.

• Time to Market: Building a program from scratch can be time-consuming, delaying the ability to offer new skills training to students.

• Risk: The university bears all the risks associated with the program, including financial loss and reputational damage if the bootcamp is not successful.
  

2. The Buy Approach

The 'Buy' model involves universities or colleges purchasing or licensing a ready-made bootcamp program from an external provider. This can include using pre-existing curricula, platforms, and sometimes even instructors from established bootcamp companies.

Strengths

• Speed to Market: Acquiring a pre-made bootcamp allows universities to offer new programs quickly without the time-consuming development process.

• Proven Model: Established bootcamp providers have tested and refined their programs, reducing the risk of failure.

• Reduced Resource Demand: Universities can save on the costs and effort associated with developing and maintaining the program themselves.
  

Weaknesses

• Less Customization: Pre-made programs may not perfectly align with the university’s specific needs or the local job market.

• Brand Dilution: The use of an external provider's curriculum and materials may dilute the university’s brand.

• Dependency: Relying on an external provider means that any changes or issues with the provider could impact the university's program.
  

3. Partnering with Bootcamp Providers

Partnering involves a collaborative effort between a university and a bootcamp provider. This model typically combines the strengths of both entities, leveraging the university's academic resources and the provider's industry expertise.

Strengths

• Shared Expertise: Universities benefit from the bootcamp provider’s specialized knowledge and experience in delivering intensive, practical training.

• Balanced Control: Both parties can contribute to the curriculum design and delivery, ensuring that the program meets academic standards while remaining industry-relevant.

• Flexibility: University or College Bootcamp Partnerships can be structured in various ways to meet the needs of both the university and the provider, including revenue-sharing models and co-branded programs.
  

Weaknesses

• Complexity: Establishing and managing a partnership can be complex, requiring clear agreements and ongoing coordination.

• Shared Risks: Both parties share the risks, including financial and reputational impacts if the program does not succeed.

• Potential Conflicts: Differences in organizational culture and objectives can lead to conflicts that need careful management.
  

Academic Bootcamp Partnership Recommendations

Choosing the right higher education bootcamp model depends on the specific circumstances and goals of the university or college. Here are some recommendations to consider:

1. Timeline: How fast do you want to be up and running? Building your own capacity can take time. One of the benefits of the Buy or Partner models is the time to launch. 

2. Assess Resources: Evaluate the university’s capacity in terms of financial resources, expertise, and time. If resources are limited, the Buy or Partner models may be more feasible.

3. Market Needs: Consider the specific needs of the local job market and student population. A customized program (Build) might be more effective in addressing these needs.

4. Strategic Goals: Align the decision with the university’s long-term strategic goals. If maintaining brand integrity and control is paramount, building the program internally may be the best option.

5. Risk Tolerance: Understand the university’s risk tolerance. Building a program involves higher risk but also higher potential rewards, while buying or partnering can mitigate some risks.

6. Flexibility: Be open to hybrid models. Some universities successfully combine elements of building and partnering to create tailored yet efficient programs.
   

The Promise of Bootcamp Partnerships

University bootcamp partnerships offer a promising pathway to meet the growing demand for practical, skills-based education. Whether through building, buying, or partnering, each model presents unique strengths and challenges. By carefully considering resources, market needs, strategic goals, and risk tolerance, universities and colleges can choose the most effective approach to integrating bootcamps into their educational offerings, ultimately enhancing their ability to prepare students for the evolving job market.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Case Study

New to the Bootcamp model, SAIT was determined to ensure offerings reflected the institution’s commitment to applied learning, quality instruction, available student support, and connection to industry, while also driving new revenues in a timely manner. SAIT chose the ‘Buy’ option, partnering with Wolf & Willow’s content partner Tacit Edge Product Leadership, a Canadian leader in product management training, to introduce a 12-week Applied Product Management  Bootcamp. Launched in June, 2022, the program has since enrolled 148 students across 9 cohorts, raising $555,000 in new revenues. The base program was also turned into a 12-month international certificate program which saw 54 students register, raising an additional $990,000 in revenues. Click here to view the full SAIT Applied Product Management Bootcamp Success Story.

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about academic bootcamp partnerships and the Build, Buy or Partner models then visit our Bootcamp page and book a 1:1 introductory call.