Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched AWS Cloud Institute, a new virtual training program to help students gain the technical and professional skills needed to start a career as a cloud developer in as little as one year.
AWS Cloud Institute is a 12-course training program that includes on-demand digital learning and live instructor-led courses, game-based learning, more than 100 interactive labs, two capstone projects, preparation and exam vouchers for two AWS Certifications, and career enrichment activities with notable AWS customers and partners, including Accenture and American Family Insurance, according to a statement from AWS.
AWS Cloud Institute is designed with input from AWS customers and partners who need cloud-skilled talent and are committed to engaging with learners through tech talks and other career services engagements.
Courses cover a range of foundational and industry-specific topics, including Business Foundations, Cloud Fundamentals, Developer Fundamentals, and Getting Hired. Course modules address topics such as computer technology, architecting on AWS, compute, databases, networking, security, storage, Python, machine learning, data analytics, generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) using Amazon CodeWhisperer, sustainability, and more.
The program’s capstone projects incorporate experiential learning by requiring learners to solve known industry challenges. Learners design and develop a working application that demonstrates their skills and ability to use AWS services and Python code to create cloud-based solutions that solve real-world scenarios.
Learners also receive exam preparation and two vouchers for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Developer Associate certification exams, both of which help validate their technical skills to potential employers. Upon graduation, learners also earn an AWS Cloud Institute program certificate.
Building Real-World Skills
The program teaches learners technical skills and how to apply them to real-world tasks using scenarios based on actual customer use cases. With guidance from AWS expert instructors, learners also hone their skills in effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, AWS said.
A key component of AWS Cloud Institute is access and exposure to cloud experts from AWS customers and partner organizations, including Accenture and American Family Insurance, about cloud computing’s role in business innovation, projects cloud developers work on, and the skills and experience companies look for when hiring entry-level cloud developers. These organizations also provide networking opportunities to learners through recruitment events and job boards, AWS said.
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 found that while the fastest-growing roles are technology-driven, only 50% of workers have access to adequate training opportunities. AWS Cloud Institute provides a way to help train cloud developers who have demonstrated that they can solve real-world business challenges, according to the statement.
“The scarcity of individuals with cloud skills is a major concern for organizations that want to innovate with cloud, and hiring the necessary talent continues to pose a real challenge to the industry,” said Kevin Kelly, director of AWS Cloud Institute. “AWS Cloud Institute brings new talent into the workforce with a low-cost training option that supports individuals for whom traditional education or training options may not be a good fit. We support all types of learners with a comprehensive training program that empowers them to develop the skills, confidence, and connections to pursue an in-demand cloud career.”
“In partnership with AWS, we are helping our clients get more value from the cloud, and AWS Cloud Institute will accelerate that,” said Allison Horn, global talent lead for Talent & Organization at Accenture. “By focusing on real-life, industry-specific business problems, the program helps learners build technical skills and business acumen that will give them new pathways to in-demand jobs while giving employers the talent they need to move cloud adoption forward.”
AWS Cloud Institute Cost
The total cost for a learner who completes the program is $7,560 plus tax. Learners enrolled full-time take three courses per quarter. Learners may also choose to enroll part-time, taking one or two courses per quarter. Learners are billed in monthly installments depending on the selected course load—$210 for one course, $420 for two courses, or $630 for three courses.
A full-time learner taking three courses per quarter can complete the program in one year. A part-time learner taking one course per quarter can complete the program in up to three years.
The program is currently offered in the U.S. to learners who are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalency (e.g., GED diploma, HiSET diploma, associate degree, etc.). When applying, learners confirm their eligibility and complete a brief introductory course.
Classes for the inaugural term begin January 8, 2024. The deadline to apply for the first term is January 5, 2024 at 5 p.m. PST. Accepted applicants will be invited to enroll on a first-come, first-served basis.
