The free cloud skills training program prepares participants for cloud employment opportunities in local communities and promotes diversity in tech careers

Bangalore : Generation India Foundation celebrated the graduation of its first 6 cohorts of the AWS re/Start program. AWS re/Start is a 12-week online training program that covers fundamental AWS Cloud skills and practical career skills, such as interviewing and resume writing and helping individuals prepare for entry-level cloud roles. AWS re/Start graduates have developed both technical and soft skills that will prepare them for success in entry-level technology careers.

A recent study conducted by AlphaBeta and commissioned by AWS found that 95% of workers in India say they need more digital skills to adapt to job changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but less than half of organizations have a training plan in place. Together, Generation India and AWS re/Start are building an inclusive, diverse global pipeline of new cloud talent.

The program helps prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals for new careers in cloud technology. Through real-world scenario-based exercises, labs, and coursework, students build a range of skills in a number of technology areas, including Linux, Python, networking, security, and relational databases. It also covers the cost for learners to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, validating their cloud skills with an industry-recognized credential. Ultimately, AWS re/Start helps individuals prepare for entry-level cloud roles in operations, site reliability, and infrastructure support. The AWS re/Start program is part of Amazon’s efforts to help 29 million people globally grow their cloud computing skills for free by 2025.

Commenting on the milestone, Arunesh Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Generation India, said, “We take immense pleasure in announcing the graduation of our first few cohorts of AWS re/Start program. This impactful program has instilled valuable, in-demand cloud computing skills through scenario-based learning in unemployed and underemployed individuals, creating a win-win scenario for them. We hope our initiative will motivate more learners to enroll in the program to launch successful careers in the competitive job environment.”

Generation India is facilitating employment opportunities for all the program graduates and preparing them for these interview opportunities.

“AWS re/Start brings “net-new” talent into the workforce, helping individuals to launch successful cloud careers, organizations to increase their competitive edge with in-demand talent, and communities to thrive and grow. We are proud to work with Generation India Foundation to build India’s diverse, robust cloud workforce of the future, enabling organizations to accelerate their innovation with the AWS Cloud”, said Amit Mehta, Head of Business Development for Education & Training, Amazon Internet Services Private Limited (AISPL).

Speaking on this occasion, Poonam Flammarion, Head of Talent Academy, Cloudreach said, “Thanks to AWS re/Start and the incredible team at Generation India who helped us in finding the right talent we need. It’s great to see the support they have provided to the graduates as they embark on their cloud journey.”

AWS re/Start focuses on all-round development of the learners and connects more than 90% of graduates with job opportunities.

According to Shabana B, AWS re/Start graduate, currently working as an Associate Cloud Systems Developer with Cloudreach, “The AWS re/Start journey was intense and effective. I didn’t even realize how quickly I got skilled in cloud, through a structured learning program over 12-weeks. Skills which I learnt during my training program are very useful in my current role.”