Accenture teams up with AWS to upskill Indian youth for cloud careers

IT consulting firm Accenture is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to help entry-level professionals start a career in cloud computing through AWS re/Start, a 12-week, in-person, skills-development program.

The companies said that the program is open to individuals including those without prior technology experience. The participants will learn to build programming language (Linux and Python), networking, security, and relational database skills through scenario-based exercises, hands-on assignments, and coursework. It will also connect learners to potential employers and offer support for resume writing and coaching for job interviews.

Accenture also said, it is funding the program and rolling it out in India through four organisations who are part of Accenture’s skilling ecosystem in India — Anudip Foundation, Don Bosco Tech Society, Magic Bus Foundation, and the Hope Foundation. Volunteers from Accenture will also offer mentoring support to the learners. 

The first 12 cohorts of this program have commenced across 11 cities including Kurnool, Trichy, Kochi, Punalur, Vijayawada, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

A recent study conducted by AlphaBeta and commissioned by AWS found that despite projected high demand for employees with cloud-based skills, nearly of half the workers in India (46%) are not confident in gaining digital skills fast enough to further their careers.

The survey also found that a staggering 95% of employees and businesses face barriers to digitally upskill, and underserved communities such as the rural population and women in India face more challenges. With 27.3 million workers in India estimated to need digital skills training over the next year alone, the report’s findings underscore the need for access to upskilling programs.  

Kshitija Krishnaswamy, Managing Director — Corporate Citizenship, Accenture in India, said, a key pillar of our efforts is to “build a bridge between the skilled and employers, and we are using our vast network and experience to help realise the tremendous opportunities presented by cloud technologies”.

“Our training program is helping unemployed and underemployed people across India develop critical cloud skills and find in-demand cloud opportunities,” said Amit Mehta, Head of Business Development for Education & Training, Amazon Internet Services Private Limited.

At the end of the program, participants have the option to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification exam at no cost, validating their cloud skills with an industry-recognised credential.