Ascend Training: School Overview

Ascend Training: Elevating Skills in Adobe and Beyond

Ascend Training, launched in 1998, is a provider of high-quality instruction focused on Adobe applications, web development, and digital marketing. Based in Chicago, the school is known for its hands-on approach and highly skilled instructors who prepare students for real-world applications of their skills. With both in-person and remote learning formats, Ascend accommodates different learning styles and schedules.

Ascend Training offers a diverse range of courses that emphasize Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
The school has been operating for over two decades, continually updating its curriculum to keep pace with industry trends.
Classes can be attended in-person at their Chicago headquarters, or students can opt for live online formats from anywhere.
The focus is predominantly on software training without a broader career preparation context.
The courses are structured to be hands-on, allowing students to work on real-world projects for practical learning.
Participants benefit from expert instruction, as courses are led by certified professionals in their respective fields.
Ascend Training also holds free networking and learning events to foster community engagement among students and industry professionals.
Corporate training options are available for businesses looking to upskill their teams, offering flexibility in learning formats.

Subjects Taught at Ascend Training

Ascend Training primarily emphasizes Adobe applications, along with foundational coding courses. Each subject aims to provide students with practical skills that are directly applicable to various roles in creative industries. The courses are designed to empower learners to utilize these tools effectively in their own projects or workplaces.

Adobe Photoshop: This course covers essential photo-editing techniques and graphic design concepts. Students gain the ability to create and manipulate images, preparing them for roles in marketing, graphic design, and photography.
Adobe InDesign: Focused on layout design for print and digital media, this course teaches students how to produce professional publications. The skills gained here are applicable in industries like publishing, marketing, and graphic design.
Adobe Illustrator: This application is known for its vector graphics capabilities. Learning Illustrator equips students to create scalable designs, useful for branding, advertising, and web development.
Adobe After Effects: This course introduces students to motion graphics and video post-production techniques. Proficiency in After Effects enables students to enhance visual content for film, online videos, and promotional materials.
WordPress: As a leading content management system, learning WordPress allows students to build and manage websites. Familiarity with WordPress is essential for anyone entering web development or digital marketing fields.
HTML & CSS: This foundational coding course is critical for web development. Students learn to create and style web pages, a necessary skill for any front-end developer.
Email Marketing: Participants learn to design effective marketing campaigns through targeted emails. This skill is particularly valuable for roles in digital marketing and communications.
SEO: Understanding SEO principles helps students improve the visibility of websites in search engines. These strategies are essential for anyone involved in web development or digital marketing.

Best Courses/Bootcamps at Ascend Training

Ascend Training offers a variety of courses that focus on skill development in Adobe programs and other related fields. The programs cater to both beginners and those looking to sharpen existing skills. Here are five prominent courses that stand out for their depth and relevance to current industry needs.

Adobe Photoshop Part 1: This introductory course equips students with the basic tools and techniques for photo manipulation and graphic creation. The foundation gained here is essential for anyone pursuing a career in graphic design or photography.
Adobe InDesign Basics: This course teaches the essentials of creating layouts for print and digital media. Mastering InDesign is critical for careers in publishing, media, and design.
Web Development Part 1: This course introduces students to HTML5 and CSS for web page development. Knowledge gained here is fundamental for aspiring web developers.
Adobe After Effects Basics: Students learn the foundational skills of video post-production and motion graphics. This course is an excellent stepping stone for those aiming to specialize in film or video editing.
SEO Fundamentals: This program covers essential SEO strategies that help improve website visibility and traffic. A solid understanding of SEO is crucial for anyone involved in digital marketing.

Class Costs at Ascend Training

The cost of classes at Ascend Training varies depending on the length and complexity of the course. Most courses range from $399 to $1999 and typically last between one and four days. While the school does not currently offer financing or scholarships, students may seek private loans or employer assistance to cover course fees.

For example, a basic Photoshop course may cost around $999 for three days of instruction, which provides participants with foundational skills in image manipulation and design.
A more advanced course like Adobe After Effects could reach up to $1,299 for in-depth training over several days, enabling students to create professional-grade videos.
The investment in these courses often yields valuable skills that enhance employability and potential career advancement, especially in fields that rely heavily on Adobe software.
Students also receive hands-on training that emphasizes practical application, helping them to better understand how to use these skills in real-world scenarios.
Through these courses, participants develop portfolios that demonstrate their capabilities, which can be crucial when seeking employment in competitive job markets.
Overall, the cost is justified by the quality of instruction, the depth of training provided, and the credentials students earn upon course completion.

Benefits of Taking Classes at Ascend Training

Participating in classes at Ascend Training provides several advantages for students seeking to enhance their skill sets. The school's focus on Adobe products and hands-on learning ensures that participants gain valuable and practical knowledge. Here are five key benefits of taking classes at Ascend Training.

Expert Instruction: Students learn from certified professionals who have extensive experience in their respective fields, ensuring high-quality training.
Flexible Learning Options: With both in-person and online courses, learners can choose a format that best suits their schedules and preferences.
Hands-on Projects: Classes involve practical exercises that encourage the application of concepts, which enhances retention and prepares students for real-world tasks.
Networking Opportunities: Free events and networking gatherings foster connections with instructors and other students, potentially leading to job opportunities in the industry.
Diverse Course Offerings: From beginner to advanced courses in Adobe software, Ascend offers a variety of options that cater to different interests and skill levels.

Reviews of Ascend Training

Reviews of Ascend Training highlight various aspects of the learning experience at the school. Many students describe their experiences positively, noting the quality of teaching and comprehensive curriculum as significant strengths. However, there are some drawbacks to consider based on student feedback.

Pros: Students appreciate the extensive training in Adobe applications and the expertise of the instructors. Many reviews mention the engaging curriculum and hands-on learning style as major benefits of the classes.
Cons: Some reviewers note limitations in the course offerings, particularly regarding the lack of in-depth coding and data science classes. Additionally, the in-person location is restricted to Chicago, which may not be convenient for all prospective students.

Are the Courses Worth It? Analyzing Their Value

The value of courses at Ascend Training primarily hinges on the balance between their costs and the skills gained by participants. While the price range may seem high, the potential career benefits and skill enhancements can justify the investment. It's essential to weigh the immediate financial costs against the long-term advantages that arise from acquiring these practical skills.

Many students find that the hands-on training, coupled with the expertise of instructors, significantly enhances their technical abilities, leading to improved job prospects.
The courses are structured to provide real-world applications, ensuring that students do not just learn concepts, but understand how to implement them effectively in their work.
Having a portfolio of work completed through these courses can set students apart in job applications, demonstrating their practical capabilities to prospective employers.
Furthermore, the networking opportunities provided by Ascend can lead to valuable connections in the industry, potentially resulting in job placements post-graduation.
Participants may also find that investing in skill development through Ascend Training offers a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving job market, particularly in creative industries.
Ultimately, when considering whether to enroll, prospective students should evaluate their career objectives and how well Ascend's offerings align with achieving those goals.