Amazon Web Services (AWS) has further extended its commitment to democratising access to cloud skills training with the inauguration of its first international AWS Skills Center in Cape Town, South Africa. The center’s primary objective is to break down barriers to cloud skills training and education, serving as a dynamic hub for individuals curious about cloud computing and aspiring to explore the potential career opportunities it offers.
Within technology adoption, big data, cloud computing and AI feature highly on likelihood of adoption. More than 75% of companies are looking to adopt these technologies in the next five years.
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Amazon Web Services Skills Centers, known for their immersive and interactive learning spaces, aim to facilitate understanding and engagement with cloud technology’s diverse applications, from weather predictions to artificial intelligence. In this endeavor, AWS has collaborated with local community leaders, educational partners, government officials, and job seekers to provide a comprehensive and insightful learning experience. Key figures such as Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde, AWS leaders Maureen Lonergan, Tanuja Randery, and Rashika Ramlal, among others, have enthusiastically endorsed this initiative, recognizing its potential to elevate South Africa’s workforce readiness and economic growth.
“AWS is committed to removing barriers for people to access the skills training they need to grow their careers,” stated Maureen Lonergan, Vice President of AWS Training and Certification. “The Cape Town region is ripe with talent, and upskilling the workforce can play a key role in driving innovation, catalysing economic growth, and accelerating digital transformation across South Africa.”
Immersive Learning for All
The Cape Town AWS Skills Center features eight captivating exhibits, designed to showcase real-world applications of cloud technology. The Cloud Discovery Space, an engaging section of the center, unfolds how the cloud bolsters space exploration, gaming, machine learning, cybersecurity, and more. Offering an immersive learning environment, the center provides an array of activities, including live, instructor-led training from AWS experts, fundamental cloud computing learning modules, and the opportunity to earn an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. The center also facilitates career coaching and networking events to connect learners with potential job placement opportunities.
Addressing Skills Gaps and Workforce Transformation
The establishment of the Cape Town AWS Skills Center aligns with the global call for addressing skills gaps in the technology sector. As the 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs report highlights, organizations recognise skills gaps and talent acquisition challenges as central obstacles to industry transformation. This underlines the necessity of training and upskilling initiatives, especially in fields like big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Amazon Web Service’s investment in South Africa’s cloud talent is evident in the impressive figure of over 100,000 individuals trained in cloud skills since 2017, encompassing both free and paid training. This effort contributes not only to individual career growth but also to Amazon’s broader goal of providing free digital skills training to 29 million individuals worldwide by 2025.
A Beacon of Learning in Cape Town
The Cape Town AWS Skills Center embodies a commitment to knowledge dissemination and skills development, echoing the sentiment that an educated workforce paves the way for sustainable economic development. This establishment, with its immersive learning experiences and inclusive approach, represents a crucial step toward addressing the industry’s skills gap and nurturing future cloud leaders.
For more information about the Cape Town AWS Skills Center, including operational hours, class schedules, and upcoming events, please visit AWS Skills Center Cape Town | Free Classroom Training (amazon.com). To explore other AWS Skills Centers in Seattle and Arlington, please visit AWS Skills Centers | Free Classroom Training | AWS (amazon.com).
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