AWS says its free re/Start program has helped more than 20,000 job seekers secure cloud computing jobs

Amazon Web Services (AWS) claims its free cloud workforce development program, called AWS re/Start, has helped unemployed and underemployed people start new careers in tech.

AWS re/Start is a full-time skills development and training program that aims to prepare individuals for a career in cloud computing. The program also connects individuals with potential employers.

Since 2017, AWS says its collaborating employers have reported hiring more than 20,000 people into technology jobs on completion of the re/Start program.

The 12-week course is available free to learners, and includes scenario-based exercises and instructor-led sessions covering core AWS Cloud skills. It is delivered in collaboration with international organizations including non-profits, private training companies and governments. 

Participants are also offered job-specific training for roles including technical support specialist, systems administrator, cloud automation lead, infrastructure engineer and more. The course also covers effective communication, collaboration, resume writing and interview coaching. 

The AWS re/Start curriculum was recently expanded to include content on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. 

One of the 20,000 participants to have secured a job after completing the re/Start program is Olumuyiwa Kolayemi, who is now employed as a senior platform engineer at Slalom Build, a business and technology consulting firm based in Boston after spending ten months as a cloud engineer at Ultra-Commerce.

Kolayemi says: “I was surprised how thorough the training content would be. And not only on the tech side of things. We also received career coaching on everything from interviews, to ensuring that your LinkedIn profile highlights your knowledge, to working on your resume to showcase your skills. 

“Everything I learned was very close to the real-life scenarios I later encountered at work, so it really set me up for success. I've been able to build upon what I've learned and continue to grow my career.”

Earlier this year, Amazon awarded 400 high school seniors across the U.S. with scholarships valued at up to $40,000 each to support their college education in computer science and related fields. The awards are part of Amazon Future Engineer, the company’s computer science education initiative.