Cape Town, a city renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse culture, has become home to Africa’s inaugural Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills Centre. This cutting-edge facility, which opened in August 2023, provides free tech training to equip millions of people with the necessary cloud computing skills needed to thrive in modern industries.
Distinguished personalities such as Alderman James Vos, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, and Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities Mireille Wenger graced the grand opening of the AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town Central Business District (CBD). This marked the establishment of Amazon’s third training hub and its first outside the United States.
The centre’s primary goal is aligned with the City of Cape Town’s mission to empower as many Capetonians as possible with essential skills for present and future industries. Alderman Vos recalled his visit in 2018 to Amazon’s data centre construction sites and expressed his admiration for the tech giant’s continued growth and investment in the region.
The AWS Skills Centre has dedicated cloud learning spaces where individuals can explore the captivating world of cloud computing and the myriad of career opportunities it offers. From basic IT skills to an in-depth comprehension of cloud computing for business leaders, the centre provides a diverse range of free courses tailored to various expertise levels.
The interactive learning spaces of the centre demonstrate the versatility of cloud computing, highlighting its applications in a spectrum of fields such as space exploration, gaming, machine learning, and cybersecurity. In addition, learners can enrol in courses to obtain an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification, further enhancing their employability within a rapidly growing industry.
Apart from providing free tech training, the AWS Skills Centre also focuses on career coaching and hosts networking events in collaboration with local employers and workforce development organizations. These events aim to connect aspiring professionals with potential job placements, ensuring that their newly-acquired skills are effectively utilized.
Alderman Vos reiterates that skills development is a top priority for the City of Cape Town, and the city remains committed to nurturing a skills pipeline for sectors that contribute to economic growth. He extends his gratitude towards AWS for selecting Cape Town for this groundbreaking initiative and eagerly anticipates the influx of individuals from diverse backgrounds seizing this unparalleled opportunity.
The Amazon Web Services Skills Centre in Cape Town represents a new era of technological advancement and growth in Africa. By providing free tech training and fostering connections with potential employers, the centre is poised to create a generation of skilled professionals equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cloud computing and related industries.
To learn more about the AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town, please visit https://aws.amazon.com/training/skills-centers/cape-town-skills-center/.
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