Teachers to get free AWS training for classroom learning

The need for tech skills in tech-based roles is steadily on the rise and in an effort to supply teachers with the skills to effectively teach tech-based subjects, tech giants, Amazon is partnering with the state of Utah to provide free AWS training to upskill teachers based in the state of Utah.

This partnership will focus on providing the upskilling required to prepare teachers to be able to carry out teaching to effectively prepare students for cloud-based jobs.

Through this initiative, the tech giant aims to provide cloud-computing courses and related resources to some 5,000 students by June 2022, said Governor of the state of Utah, Gary Herbert.

The state’s Talent Ready Utah centre training programme will coordinate the effort with Amazon Web Services’ AWS Academy.

The centre’s effort aims to optimise efforts made by education and industry partnerships by working collectively to build a greater workforce throughout the state of Utah while providing students with increased career and education opportunities.

Similarly, the AWS academy works with colleges and universities to help students learn skills and earn credentials offered by the tech company.

Teachers from participating institutions will receive the training at no cost and will also have the option to earn the certification by passing an examination, and a limited number of tests will also be made available to them for free.

The teachers will also have the option of enrolling in additional tests at a discounted rate, which is lower than the test fees for AWS certification that generally run from $100 to $150.

Upon completing the training, teachers will be qualified to accept students who will be taught the Academy curriculum. Students who enrol in these courses will pay a tuition fee determined by the school that offers the course.

Students who take the certification tests for Amazon credentials will enjoy up to 50% discount on the exam fees, AWS said.

Herbert added that Utah will be the first state to provide the AWS Academy program statewide through its schools, and is the first state AWS is partnering with to offer this training programme.

The governor also said that Utah has “the most advanced skilled labor force not only in the country but in the world,” and the AWS training will enhance what the state has already been doing.

Dixie State University in St. George has been teaching the AWS curriculum for two years. Through this initiative, students at the university receive credit for taking the AWS training as a college course.

Professor of computer science at the university, Joe Francom said, “We knew we had to jump on that train and help our children be successful and join the workforce.”

Director of U.S. public policy for AWS, John Stephenson said the AWS Academy curriculum for teachers and students, can be made available at all levels of higher education including career and technical high schools, technical colleges, community colleges, or universities.