Bell Canada Boosts Cloud Sales by 67% Using AWS Training and Certification

An AWS Partner, Bell is using AWS technology to enhance network performance, reduce latency, and introduce cutting-edge applications and services to its customers. The company deploys cloud solutions to customers of all sizes across several market segments and industries.

Recognizing the shift toward the cloud, Bell prioritized AWS expertise within its technical and sales teams to enhance customer support and drive innovation. “We needed to create learning opportunities for both general awareness and technical knowledge,” says Matthew Leppanen, director of marketing and enablement at Bell. “We wanted to help out our team members in developing more AWS competencies so that we could achieve our internal goals and help achieve those of our customers.”

Working with AWS Training and Certification, Bell rolled out a training strategy with the goal of building AWS proficiency and doubling its employees’ AWS Certifications within 24 months.

In April 2023, Bell introduced the Bell AWS Training Club, an AWS learning community within Bell, giving its employees access to a variety of training opportunities. These include in-person, instructor-led training; events; and flexible online learning through the AWS Skill Builder Team subscription. “With AWS Skill Builder, the team members can learn on their own time,” says Amalia Zito, partner success manager at Bell.

AWS Skill Builder resources are available not only for technical staff but also for sales personnel, who use them to enhance their understanding of AWS services. Bell employees learn diverse cloud topics, covering everything from foundational concepts to specialized technical skills. With hands-on labs and game-based learning, Bell employees have practiced and validated their cloud skills to become AWS Certification ready. In just 5 months, Bell doubled its number of AWS Certified employees.

The Bell AWS Training Club is much more than just access to AWS Skill Builder. To spark employee enthusiasm, the club has implemented a rewards program, featuring recognition emails, exclusive swag, progress-based points, and a coveted year-end prize—attendance at the AWS re:Invent conference. This initiative proved effective: 380 employees participated in the Bell AWS Training Club in 2023, surpassing the company’s initial estimates.

Subsequently, to meet this demand, Bell tripled the number of training programs it had originally scheduled, organizing onsite AWS Partner Certification Readiness programs in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg. “The team jumped at this opportunity to learn,” says Steve Grywul, vice president of advanced solutions for the sales team at Bell. “The first AWS training program we offered was already full just 30 minutes after the invitation went out.”

Following the launch of the Bell AWS Training Club, Bell introduced more in-person training with immersive experiences to enhance employees’ understanding of cloud technologies. For example, Bell hosted an AWS GameDay, an engaging gamified learning event that challenges participants to solve real-world technical programs in a team-based setting. “Using AWS GameDay, we can upgrade skills and put them to the test,” says Leppanen. “We received feedback from individuals stating that this event gave them technical resources that align with their career paths.”

Since adopting this training strategy, Bell has seen a remarkable 467 percent increase in its AWS Partner Accreditations. Furthermore, Bell’s AWS Certifications have grown by 239 percent year-over-year, surpassing certification goals at twice the expected pace. These achievements highlight a significant improvement in the Bell team’s cloud capabilities, confirming its advanced proficiency as an AWS Partner. “Upskilling Bell employees has been important to us because we want to make sure we have the certifications and competencies to support cloud adoption for our customers,” says Zito.

When it comes to sales, Bell’s new training offerings have given customer-facing employees the confidence they need to talk to clients about cloud technology. In 8 months, the technical sales team has reported a 22 percent increase in interactions about cloud products as well as a 67 percent boost in cloud-related business deals.

Through AWS training, Bell has built a strong foundation for growth. In 2024, the focus is on advancing cloud expertise and developing specialized skills in security and networking. Bell aims to provide more blended learning opportunities to reach its next AWS Certification milestone using AWS Skill Builder Team subscription.

“Bell is passionate about helping people grow,” emphasizes Zito. “Giving people the opportunity to learn and upskill in cloud technologies was the number one reason to start this training. Now, our workforce is not only gaining AWS Certifications but also future-proofing their skillset, making them more empowered for what lies ahead.”

Empowered by technical cloud skills, Bell plans to double down on its efforts to support and accelerate its clients’ cloud migrations and continue innovating on AWS infrastructure.