UNITAR International University announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide free cloud computing skills development and job training through the AWS re/Start program in Malaysia.
AWS re/Start is a 12-week training program that prepares unemployed and underemployed individuals for cloud careers and connects them to potential employers. The first AWS re/Start cohort in Malaysia began the program in December 2021 and will graduate in March 2022.
The first cohort of AWS re/Start students at UNITAR includes a wide range of talents between the ages of 20-56. This group of students comes from a variety of backgrounds including engineering, banking, education & learning, and general administration.
Throughout the 12-week program, students will complete real-world-scenario-based exercises, handson labs, and coursework, to build Linux, Python, networking, security, and relational database skills. In addition, the program covers practical career skills, such as interviewing and resume writing, and also covers the cost for learners to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam so they can validate their cloud skills with an industry-recognized credential. Ultimately, AWS re/Start helps individuals prepare for roles in operations, site reliability, and infrastructure support.
Puvan Balachandran, Chief Executive Officer of UNITAR International University, said, “UNITAR’s vision is to accelerate innovative solutions in a global learning ecosystem for a sustainable future, which will aim to be delivered via its mission to create highly employable and entrepreneurial global citizens. This is aligned with the program’s mission to help unemployed and underemployed individuals who might not otherwise have access to technical education to develop the skills they need to pursue entry-level cloud roles. UNITAR will help learners gain job-specific skills, connect with employers, and embark on their cloud careers.”
Andrew Sklar, Head of AWS Training and Certification, APJ, said, “The AWS re/Start program establishes a win-win-win scenario for individuals in need, communities in which they reside, and our customers and partners. The program focuses on connecting unemployed and underemployed individuals to indemand cloud opportunities, lifting people and economies within that community, and providing AWS customers and partners with a means to build a loyal and diverse workforce.”
(This content is surmised from a press release)
