Today, Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company (NASDAQ: AMZN), in collaboration with with GetINNOtized, announced it is launching the AWS re/Start cloud skills training programme in Rwanda for the first time. The 12-week program is offered at no cost to learners and no previous technology experience is required. The first AWS re/Start program in Rwanda will launch on August 30th , with a cohort of 20 learners from different regions and communities
AWS re/Start is a free 12-week, full-time, skills-based training program that teaches students the
principles of cloud computing, programming, and computer security through educational content
based on hands-on labs and coursework. The program also provides participants with interviewing and resume writing, to help prepare individuals for entry-level cloud positions. Through scenario-based exercises, hands-on labs, and coursework, students build Linux, Python, networking, security, and relational database skills. The program also prepares and covers the cost for participants to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam, validating their cloud skills with an industry-recognized credential. Ultimately, AWS re/Start can help prepare individuals for entry-level cloud roles in operations, site reliability, and infrastructure support. The expansion of the AWS re/Start program into Senegal is another way AWS is making progress against its commitment to provide 29 million people around the world with access to free cloud computing skills training by 2025.
In Rwanda, AWS re/Start is delivered in collaboration with getINNOtized through its flagship training program Azubi Africa as well as ITi Africa, a Rwandan solution provider specialized on Cloud & IT services. The program will deliver the learning experience, provide a pathway to earning AWS Certification, and support the learners as they launch their careers in cloud computing. They will also support graduates by connecting them directly with employment opportunities.
“AWS re/Start is successful when our program graduates launch their careers in the cloud. Through real-world, scenario-based learning, labs, and coursework, learners can gain the skills they need for an entry-level cloud role. Additionally, AWS re/Start provides employability skills training such as resume writing and interview coaching to prepare learners for employer meetings and interviews, as well as communication and presentation skills, which are all a part of a holistic development experience that prepares individuals for employment.” – Tejas Vashi, AWS re/Start Global Team Lead.
“The industry demand for cloud adoption is far outpacing the number of new, cloud-savvy workers, leaving organizations struggling to find and hire the talent needed to implement cloud services. To overcome this systematic supply vs demand situation, cloud talent must be cultivated from non-traditional sources. AWS re/Start brings “net-new” talent into the cloud ecosystem by skilling unemployed and underemployed individuals with little technology background and preparing them to launch a cloud career.” – Robin Njiru, Business Development Manager (Sub-Saharan Africa) at Amazon Web Services.
getINNOtized’s Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Busch said their mission is “to create attractive work opportunities in Africa and provide a solution against the global shortage of skills”.
“Our aim is to solve social challenges as we help companies connect to untapped IT skilled talent in Africa,” he explained.
“During the training on-site, learners are equipped with a hands-on skillset that enables them to create true value for clients all over the world. Graduates are connected with virtual employment
opportunities in Germany, in an employment model that combines flexibility and cost effectiveness, which is supported by the Digital Skills Accelerator Africa. We are thrilled to grow Rwanda’s digital workforce.”
“I’d just lost my job as a manager in a local non-government organization due to the impact of Covid-19 before I joined the AWS re/Start program. I needed to make a career change and that’s when I heard about AWS re/Start from a recruitment website.” said Ajara Amadu, AWS re/Start learner in the getINNOtized program from Accra, Ghana. “My interest increased when I read that it didn’t matter what your educational or career background is – you can join the program. I’m excited to launch a career in cloud computing because it’s going to give me an opportunity to develop highly sought-after skills in the job market.”
Selina Adams, another learner in the AWS re/Start program facilitated by getINNOtized, said, “After I completed my mandatory National Service, my cousin tweeted a link for me to apply to join AWS re/Start. I didn’t know anything about the program, but I applied because I figured it would be beneficial to gain skills whilst I had the time. Having no prior background in IT, it was daunting initially, but I couldn’t be more grateful right now for the opportunity that has been afforded me. Cloud computing is important in our world today and seems to be gaining more ground daily. Since it can be used to solve many of the problems we face, I believe it’s an absolute necessity to know your way around the cloud. I’m excited to be part of the foundational class of this training. I’m looking forward to higher heights!”
The AWS re/Start cohort in Rwanda is expected to graduate in December 2021 and will be ready for entry-level cloud positions.
About AWS re/Start
The AWS re/Start program teaches the fundamentals of the AWS Cloud to help learners advance to junior positions in the cloud. Through scenario-based exercises, hands-on workshops and lectures, learners gain skills in Linux, Python, networking, security and relational databases.
Learners receive specific training and develop effective techniques for supporting, troubleshooting, transferring, and automating first-level tasks. In these positions, they will be able to run Python scripts, work on the Linux operating system, operate network infrastructures, support the integration and deployment of AWS solutions, and perform incident resolution. AWS re/Start also supports learners in their return to employment by coaching them and preparing them for interviews with employers.
About Amazon Web Services
For over 15 years, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly
adopted cloud offering. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any cloud workload, and it now has more than 200 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), media, and application development, deployment, and management from 81 Availability Zones within 25 geographic regions, with announced plans for 21 more Availability Zones and seven more AWS Regions in Australia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. (End)