Amazon launches global cloud computing training initiative
Amazon intends to provide free cloud computing skills training to 29 million people around the world by 2025.
The e-tail giant, which committed close to $1 billion to retrain 100,000 of its employees across the U.S. in July 2019, will provide free cloud computing technical skills training via its Amazon Web Services (AWS) subsidiary.
The new program goes beyond upskilling Amazon employees, and will provide free cloud computing skills training to people from all walks of life and all levels of knowledge, in more than 200 countries and territories. Amazon says it is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the project, which will offer training through both existing AWS-designed programs and new courses to meet a wide variety of schedules and learning goals.
Training will range from self-paced online courses that are designed to help individuals update their technical skills to intensive upskilling programs that can lead to new jobs in the technology industry. Specific examples include:
• Building out Amazon’s library of more than 500 free courses, interactive labs, and virtual day-long training sessions;
• Continuing to invest in free training to help individuals earn AWS certification;
• Expanding the existing full-time, 12-weel, high-impact AWS re/Start program designed to help people from underrepresented communities transition into tech jobs;
• Piloting new training programs, such as the two-day AWS Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Certificate program which teaches participants how to to install and repair fiber optics and also lets them take part in a career networking session.
Amazon says it focuses on building innovative programs that have a lasting, positive impact for the communities in which it operates, with STEM and skills training programs central to this approach. The retailer says it intends to continue increasing access to skills training to give anyone who wants to further their cloud skills the tools to achieve their goal.