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Amazon Web Services is expanding its business of up-skilling.
Beginning last year, AWS launched cloud skills training content through the Skill Builder. More recently it has launched a subscription version of AWS Skill Builder for those taking their cloud skills seriously, or businesses looking to bolster their team’s ability. The company has long invested in training citizens’ cloud computing know-how.
Similar to Google’s Cloud Skills Boost, AWS Skill Builder offers access to hundreds of digital courses on-demand, which are designed to teach new skills and upgrade existing ones. Such programs often lead to virtual certifications. These so-called “Micro-credentials” provide industry-recognized certification—64% of employers see them as a valuable sign of a job seeker’s commitment to learning, according to Future Skills Centre.
Between “the Great Resignation,” mass tech layoffs, and a growing demand for tech skills in Canada, “many adults are looking to learn this fall,” Amazon says. “Unfortunately, traditional college or university courses can take years.”
AWS also offers game-style learning opportunities for all ages, such as through DeepRacer, which helps anyone begin programming tiny autonomous vehicles to hone machine learning techniques. And CloudQuest is a 3D game lets you zap drones, befriend pets, and solve puzzles—all while building practical cloud skills.
“CloudQuest is a role-based game where your mission is to help citizens of a virtual city by learning and building cloud solutions for their challenges,” explains Sébastien Stormacq of AWS. “For each task, the Solution Center guides you through four steps: learn the cloud concept to complete the task, practice the execution of the task with instructions, practice by yourself, and evaluate the result. The practice is done inside an AWS sandbox environment where you can safely test your new skill. AWS Cloud Quest is a fun way to learn cloud skills!”
These skills are good to have because even in the midst of a global market downturn, the tech sector in Canada remains robust.
Gordon Pelosse, senior vice president for employer engagement at the Computing Technology Industry Association, says “technology is [essential] to every business and industry.”
Net tech employment in Canada reached more than 1.2 million workers at the end of 2021, according to research published by CompTIA, an increase of 9% over 2020. And while we cannot expect such robust growth, CompTIA projects tech-related work will grow by 1.5% this year—the creation of more than 19,000 net new jobs.
Peruse the free Tech Talent Canada Job Board for a sampling of opportunities, because plenty of companies are still hiring tech talent across Canada.