Jumpstart your tech career with AWS re:Start

The AWS re:Start programme aims to equip participants with fundamental knowledge and skills to design, develop and implement cloud technologies. 

These skills are increasing in demand as more and more companies move their applications, data centres and even entire IT operations to the cloud. Working closely with the Ministry of Defence, QA Consulting, Experis and Sage, the AWS re:Start programme is a free, full-time, four-week bespoke training course designed to accommodate all levels of experience – so even those with no previous technical knowledge can sign up. 

Technical hands-on training classes include an introduction to Enterprise Architecture, giving participants a broad understanding of modern IT systems. Students also learn about vital concepts including relational databases, DevOps technologies and application programming interfaces (APIs), as well as getting an introduction to the inner workings of the JavaScript programming language. Additionally, participants gain an in-depth knowledge of cloud computing and AWS core services, learning how to navigate the AWS console and securely set up new cloud infrastructures. 

At the end of the four-week course, participants will have the opportunity to apply for work placements and go through a formal interview process with AWS customers and APN partners including major firms such as KPMG, Centrica, Rackspace and Virgin Money. 

AWS re:Start partner Sage provides a military mentor training programme for these employers to actively support the graduates that have been matched to a work placement, through their transition into the workplace. 

What’s more, specialist recruitment firm Experis recently joined the programme to provide employability advice for AWS re:Start military participants as well as offering graduates the opportunity to get experience working at prominent UK organisations, on the way to a long-term career as an Experis Employed Consultant. Graduates working as Experis Employed Consultants receive a further two years of digital training, tailored to the individual’s specific careers goals.

Stephen Davies, one of AWS re:Start’s recruits has just completed a three-month placement as a cloud administrator with leading cloud provider Rackspace, and now has a full time position at BJSS. Stephen served in the Royal Air Force for 18 years as a Logistics Driver before an injury led to a medical discharge. “I had no experience and was coming out of the military and found the AWS re:Start programme daunting, but the instructors were great. They were extremely supportive and dedicated one-on-one time with anyone, anytime they needed it. Now that I look back at this opportunity, I believe in myself. The programme gave that to me and showed me that there are opportunities for people like me.” 

Not only is the programme aimed at military veterans, military reservists and those leaving the Armed Forces, it is also aimed at service spouses. Jenny Pattinson, who is currently working as an Information Security, Risk and Governance Manager with Centrica Hive Limited registered for the programme after her husband was diagnosed with a serious health condition, and she could no longer work in the legal sector. 

AWS re:Start is the ideal way to jumpstart a career in tech. Not only does it offer an introduction to the world of IT and cloud computing, but it also enables trainees to learn much sought after AWS skills that can help them secure full-time roles or even build their own start-up company. And most importantly, the programme is open to people from any background, no matter what their level of education or technical experience is. For those considering signing up for the programme, AWS will be running taster days throughout 2018 at its head office in Holborn, Central London.