Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a diverse range of programs and communities to support individuals and organizations at every stage of their cloud journey. Whether you're a student, professional, educator, or startup, AWS offers tailored initiatives to meet your needs. These programs deliver valuable resources, training, networking opportunities, and financial support, such as credits and discounts, all designed to accelerate your success in the cloud.
As an AWS Academy Instructor, AWS Certified Educator, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with many of these programs. In this article, I’ll share insights into the following AWS programs and communities, along with recommendations based on my personal and professional experience:
1. AWS Educate: Tailored for students and beginners starting their cloud journey.
2. AWS Skill Builder: Helps individuals at all skill levels enhance their cloud expertise or pursue AWS certifications.
3. AWS Academy: Designed for educational institutions, students, and educators.
4. AWS Cloud Institute: Focused on launching careers as cloud developers.
5. AWS re/Start: Supports individuals transitioning to cloud roles or seeking career changes.
6. AWS Emerging Talent Community: Prepares students and graduates for cloud careers.
7. AWS Talent Community Program: Designed for individuals seeking career opportunities at AWS.
8. AWS Cloud Clubs: Student-led groups supported by AWS.
9. AWS User Groups: Community-led groups connecting cloud enthusiasts.
10. AWS Ambassador Program: A network of technical experts from AWS Partner Network (APN) members.
11. AWS Community Builders: A program for AWS enthusiasts who share their knowledge about AWS.
12. AWS Activate: Provides credits and resources to startups using AWS.
1. AWS Educate
I used AWS Educate early in my career, and it played a key role in helping me build foundational knowledge of AWS services like compute, storage, and machine learning. AWS Educate is a global initiative designed to introduce individuals to cloud computing concepts and develop essential technical skills. The program is free and tailored for students, educators, and those new to cloud technologies.
If you're a student or beginner in cloud computing, AWS Educate helps you build foundational knowledge in areas like compute, storage, analytics, machine learning, software development, and security. As you complete courses, you can earn shareable digital skill badges to showcase your expertise.
AWS Educate also offers career pathways tailored to specific roles, such as Cloud Support Engineer, Data Scientist, and Software Developer. These pathways align educational content with career goals, providing a clear route to acquiring industry-relevant skills. Additionally, the program includes a dedicated job board that connects learners with internship and employment opportunities at organizations seeking AWS-skilled professionals.
To subscribe to AWS Educate and access its valuable resources, you only need to meet your country's minimum age requirement (usually 14-18 years old) and have a valid email. AWS Educate does not require participants to have a traditional AWS account. Instead, temporary AWS user accounts are created for learners to run hands-on labs without incurring any charges.
2. AWS Skill Builder
Whether you're a beginner in AWS, an advanced professional, a student, or a university professor, you're likely to find something that meets your learning and practice needs. AWS Skill Builder is an online learning center offering a wide range of training resources to help you build cloud skills. It provides over 600 free, self-paced digital courses, guided hands-on labs, game-based learning simulations, exam prep resources for AWS certifications, and digital classrooms.
I used this platform to prepare for my AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification, and I can confidently say AWS Skill Builder was my best companion throughout the process. The guided labs and practice exams were invaluable in helping me master complex concepts.
You can access free learning content or subscribe to an Individual plan for 29/month or449/year. Team subscriptions are also available for organizations.
By completing assessments for learning plans with a score of 80% or higher, learners can earn and share verifiable digital badges to showcase their AWS knowledge and skills.
3. AWS Academy
As an AWS Academy Instructor and the Central Point of Contact (CPOC) for ISET Gabes in Tunisia, I’ve overseen the creation and implementation of our AWS Academy program. I supervise the delivery of AWS Academy curricula and coordinate with other instructors to ensure our students receive the best possible training.
If you are a student or an educator the AWS Academy program is created for you. The program offers universities and colleges a no-cost, pre-designed cloud computing curriculum that's ready for immediate use in the classroom. It helps prepare students and educators for industry-recognized AWS Certifications and careers in the cloud.
AWS Academy offers courses ranging from foundational cloud concepts to advanced topics like architecting, developing, operations, and data analytics.
Institutions can become leaders in cloud education and produce cloud-ready graduates by joining the program.
I highly recommend any educational institution acting in the IT field to join the program for free and with legitimate requirements:
The institution offers accredited degree, diploma, certificate, or continuing education programs.
The applicant has the authority to serve as the Central Point of Contact (CPOC) for their institution or can supply the name and contact details of an individual who is authorized to fulfill this role.
AWS Academy membership begins at the institution level. Once the institution's application is accepted, the CPOC can then nominate educators to teach the AWS Academy courses.
Educators receive complimentary AWS training and certification exam discounts. Active educator that have teaching at least one AWS academy curriculum may obtain the AWS Educator budge or the AWS Certified Educator badge if the educator has got any AWS certification.
By completing a curriculum, graduates obtain a verified budge and then get access to the AWS Emerging Talent Community.
4. AWS Cloud Institute
If you’ve started your cloud journey but are unsure how to proceed, aren’t affiliated with an AWS Academy, and prefer structured learning over self-paced training, AWS Cloud Institute could be the ideal solution to excel in AWS Cloud.
AWS Cloud Institute is a virtual training program designed to help individuals launch careers as cloud developers in as little as one year, regardless of their technical background. It offers a comprehensive curriculum developed by AWS experts with input from companies seeking cloud talent.
With AWS Cloud Institute, you will:
- Develop in-demand cloud skills aligned with industry needs.
- Solve real-world business challenges through hands-on projects.
- Build a professional portfolio to showcase your accomplishments.
- Receive career guidance and resources to kick-start your cloud career.
The program follows a flipped classroom model, combining independent content exploration, hands-on labs, expert AWS instruction, capstone projects, and career services. In short, AWS Cloud Institute aims to produce job-ready cloud professionals with practical experience.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, but there are no higher education or work experience requirements to enroll.
5. AWS re/Start
If you’re undergoing a career transition, are underemployed, or unemployed and looking to start a cloud career, AWS re/Start is a no-cost, cohort-based workforce development training program that can help.
After 2-3 months of in-person or blended training, partnering organizations connect AWS re/Start graduates with potential employers. The program aims to re-skill individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the skills needed for cloud roles.
Participants learn AWS Cloud concepts, services, security, architecture, coding, and hands-on labs. Upon completion, they are prepared for roles like cloud operations, site reliability, cloud architecture, and software development.
You can find a list of collaborating organizations offering AWS re/Start in different locations on the AWS re/Start website.
6. AWS Emerging Talent Community
I always encourage my students to apply to the AWS Emerging Talent Community (ETC). To be eligible, students must first complete an AWS Education Program.
Examples of qualifying programs include:
- AWS re/Start
- AWS Academy
- AWS Skill Builder
Upon successful completion, students automatically receive an invitation to join the ETC and gain access to benefits like AWS Certification prep resources, mentorship opportunities, and 50% discount vouchers for AWS Certification exams.
Note: The program is now part of AWS Educate. To join, you must subscribe to AWS Educate, even if you’re enrolled in an AWS Academy.
7. AWS Talent Community Program
If you are interested in exploring career possibilities at AWS then the AWS Talent Community Program could be your gateway to achieve your goal. You may remain in touch and get information about pertinent positions, initiatives, and events with the aid of this program. You may get customized job notifications based on your experience, interests, and talents by signing up for the talent network. Along with learning about forthcoming events, training courses, and hiring possibilities, you'll also acquire insights into AWS culture, teams, and innovations.
The program is divided into two subcategories based on your experience level:
1. The AWS Talent Network for Early Career Roles is intended for those who are just beginning their careers or who have recently graduated and are looking for jobs. By signing up, you may discuss entry-level and early career positions that fit your interests and background with AWS recruiters. You'll also have access to career advice and tools to help you succeed in the cloud computing sector.
2. The AWS Experienced Talent Network is designed for experienced professionals looking for a change in their career. By signing up, you can discuss experienced-level positions that fit your skills and professional objectives with AWS recruiters.
8. AWS Cloud Clubs
AWS Cloud Clubs are student-led groups for individuals aged 18+ who are passionate about cloud computing. Organized with AWS support, these clubs provide opportunities to learn about AWS services, build practical skills, connect with industry professionals, attend career-building events, host hackathons, and earn benefits like AWS credits and certification exam vouchers.
If you’re a student interested in founding a Cloud Club at your institution, stay updated on application periods for the AWS Cloud Clubs Captains cohort by visiting the Student Hub.
9. AWS User Groups
Unlike ETC, which targets students, or AWS Academy and AWS Cloud Institute, which provide training, AWS User Groups are community-led groups that bring together cloud enthusiasts and professionals to share knowledge, network, and discuss best practices.
If you’re passionate about cloud computing and want to impact your region by connecting AWS users, you can start your own User Group. Visit the AWS User Group Website, click "Start a User Group," and follow the steps. If approved, you and your group members gain access to AWS credits, training materials, and connections with AWS experts.
10. AWS Ambassador Program
The AWS Ambassador Program is a global community of technical experts from AWS Partner Network (APN) members. Ambassadors author blogs and Whitepapers, deliver public presentations, contribute to open-source projects, lead workshops, and host user group events.
If you’re an APN employee with multiple AWS certifications and a proven track record in the AWS community through activities like public speaking, open-source contributions, or social media engagement, then you may be eligible to the program.
11. AWS Community Builder
Are you an AWS cloud professional who enjoys sharing knowledge through blogs, social media, public speaking, or networking? If so, the AWS Community Builder program might be for you.
This program is designed for individuals passionate about AWS and eager to connect, share, and grow within the cloud community. You don’t need to be an AWS or APN employee, just 18+ and actively sharing valuable, original, and non-plagiarized content.
Applications for the worldwide cohort typically open in January each year. If you miss the deadline or aren’t accepted, subscribe to the waiting list and prepare for the next session.
As an AWS Community Builder, you gain access to AWS product teams, subject matter experts, AWS credits, and more. It’s a great way to boost your confidence, expand your network, and advance your cloud career.
12. AWS Activate
If you’re a start-upper struggling with the costs of using AWS services, AWS Activate is designed for you. The program offers startups access to AWS credits, training, support resources, and more to help them build and scale their businesses on AWS.
Eligible startups can receive up to $100,000 in AWS credits, depending on their funding stage. Benefits include:
- AWS Support resources like Trusted Advisor, Support credits, and the Personal Health Dashboard.
- Training resources such as self-paced labs, AWS Online Tech Talks, and AWS Startup Lofts for in-person assistance.
- Exclusive tools and offers through the AWS Activate Console to optimize costs, performance, and security.
To qualify, startups must be early-stage, have minimal funding, and meet other eligibility criteria based on their AWS usage and funding stage. AWS Activate aims to reduce the cost and risks of cloud computing, helping startups grow successfully in the cloud.
Conclusion
AWS programs and communities have the power to transform careers and businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, there’s an AWS program for you.
In my opinion, I consider that AWS Academy, AWS Community Builder and AWS Activate are the most important programs due to the large spectrum of professionals concerned by this programs.
I also viewed that many cloud enthusiasts would like to join the Community Builder program and they get rejected because of his competitive nature. To achieve this goal, beginner and students could take profit from ETC , AWS Academy and Cloud institute programs to get practical experience and to share their knowledge with the AWS community which is a mandatory requirement to join the program.
Explore these opportunities, I hope at least one is appropriate for you and don’t forget to share this article with others who might benefit.
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