Removing barriers and creating builders of the future

The future of tech is diverse, and AWS Training and Certification is building an inclusive and diverse workforce for the future through accessible cloud education programs for anyone with the desire to learn. We believe when you remove barriers to education, you bring new learners to the cloud and open doors to jobs and long-term careers that people may have thought were out of reach or, in some cases, didn’t even know existed. Public sector organizations are vying for top cloud skilled professionals and have much to gain when we increase the pool of available cloud talent.

With an emphasis on reaching women and other underrepresented populations, Amazon is committed to providing free cloud computing skills training to 29 million people globally by 2025 through AWS-designed programs. Our training programs are robust, with more than 500 no-cost courses delivered in different formats—from digital self-paced courses, to full-time, intensive instructor-led training options. With programs available around the globe and digital training available anytime, anywhere, public sector organizations can draw from local talent rather than relying on recruiting from traditional and often highly competitive tech hubs.

Public sector organizations can also benefit from our accessible training as you reskill or upskill the talent you already have. Your technology challenges cannot be met simply by hiring from the outside, and we can work with you to break down barriers and expand opportunities for those currently in your organization. For example, we recently worked with a partner to build cloud skills among women in non-technical roles in their organization. They hoped for 300 participants, but to date, we’ve had almost 900, with great support from the company’s CEO and senior leadership. These women are now better equipped to understand their business and support their customers, and we’re thrilled to help them increase their value to the business and broaden their career opportunities.

With a strong commitment to long-term training and development for both new and current employees, public sector organizations can deliver on the important work they do around the world, while also driving greater staff retention and satisfaction. In a recent study from ESG Research Insights, 96% of IT decision makers surveyed agreed their decision to support AWS Certification improved the employee retention among cloud-focused staff. And this makes sense because people want to work where they are supported and encouraged to continuously grow their skills, stay on top the rapid pace of change in technology, and, of course, innovate.

Our accessible learning programs can help any public sector organization that is ready to invest in skills development, leading to workforce transformation and business innovation. We are here to help advise on tailored learning solutions that meet each organization’s unique goals. And, public sector learners and leaders can take immediate advantage of our free programs at aboutamazon.com/29million.

To learn more about how we’re widening the talent pipeline for public sector organizations, particularly for women and other underrepresented populations, tune into my fireside chat during the AWS Public Sector Online Summit with Teresa Carlson, vice president of worldwide public sector and industries at AWS, and Dr. Tarika Barrett, incoming CEO and current chief operating officer of Girls Who Code. Our conversation is part of Teresa’s opening keynote, which looks at how public sector organizations can continue to push boundaries in service of their missions. Together, we can do more than push the boundaries of cloud training and skill development. We can break down barriers entirely and create opportunities for anyone with the desire to learn.