Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is highly in demand for cloud computing skills, is increasing its efforts to provide free cloud education resources to people all over the globe.
AWS announced this week a four-pronged plan to help them reach their goal of training 29,000,000 people worldwide in cloud technologies by 2025. AWS announced this goal for the first time last December. It promised to invest “hundreds and millions of dollars” in cloud training programs that will be available in more than 200 countries.
It announced this week the next steps in the effort, including the opening of a new facility in Seattle (Wash.) that will offer free in-person cloud classes. AWS announced that classes in the new AWS Skills Center will include the following:
[F]undamentals like Introduction to Computer Technology, which provides a basic understanding of computing. Cloud Practitioner Essentials, which covers basic cloud computing concepts. Exam Readiness: Certified Cloud Practitioner, which prepares learners for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification exam. There are also foundational courses about machine learning, game tech, and more.
The center will also have exhibits that demonstrate real-world applications for cloud technologies in everything, from sports to robotics. It will also serve as a career centre, hosting networking events that connect people with potential employers.
The AWS Skills Centre in Seattle will open its doors on November 22. According to AWS, it will be the first of many AWS Skills Centers across the United States and other countries.
This week’s launch of the AWS Skill Builder course collection is also new. The AWS Skill Builder is available in more than 200 countries and supports 16 languages. It provides free access to over 500 cloud classes. Users can receive recommendations for classes based upon their skill level and career interests.
AWS also announced that free cloud courses are now available on Amazon.com’s marketplace via a new section called “AWS Courses”. As of writing, there are currently 100 courses in the section.
AWS also announced that it is “tripling” the availability of its “re/Start” program. This program is designed to help “unemployed” or “underemployed” individuals learn the skills needed to be eligible for entry-level cloud jobs. Last year, re/Start wasn’t available in 25 cities or 12 countries. AWS stated at that time that it would double the number cities by 2021. AWS announced this week that it has far exceeded that goal with the number of re/Start sites expected to reach 95 cities in 38 countries by end of the year.
Cloud skills are very lucrative. A recent Dice survey revealed that cloud engineers are among the top 5 highest-paying jobs in tech, with an average annual salary $136,479. They are also crucial, especially for security professionals. A recent VMware survey found that cloud security failures are most often caused by insufficient knowledge or lack of expertise. As organizations adapt to hybrid work environments created by the pandemic, demand for cloud skills will only rise.
“Over the next ten years, we expect cloud computing to fuel a vast amount of new jobs. That is why we are investing hundreds and millions of dollars in online courses, local reskilling programs and new ways to make cloud skills easy for everyone,” stated Maureen Lonergan (head of Training and Certification at AWS) in a prepared statement. To ensure a diverse and thriving workforce, it is essential to reduce barriers to technical skills training.
