Fast Forward for Digital Jobs – AWS re/Start

Today techUK is launching a new report looking at how industry and Government can work more closely together in the wake the pandemic to support those who’ve lost their jobs and want to start a new career in the tech sector.

One of stories profiled in the report is that of Charlotte, an AWS re/Start graduate, from my home town of Manchester.

AWS re/Start is a full-time, classroom-based skills development and training programme that prepares individuals for careers in the cloud and connects them to potential employers. A technology background is not required to apply. The programme is focused on unemployed and underemployed individuals, including military veterans, their families, and young people.

After being furloughed from her job as a Shift Manager at a fast food retail outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlotte decided to look for courses to keep herself busy. She had an interest in technology and was keen to learn coding but wasn’t sure what skills were needed to launch a career in tech. She discovered AWS re/Start and applied for the programme – and we’re delighted she did.

After graduating from the programme, Charlotte posted her certificate on LinkedIn and Twitter, which was noticed by a hiring manager at cloud data integration platform, Matillion, who contacted her AWS re/Start mentor to arrange an interview. She is now an Associate Solution Engineer at Matillion where she uses the skills she learned during AWS re/Start, for example, Linux, SQL and Python.

“AWS re/Start has really changed my life and made me so much happier. Last year, while I was on furlough, I felt lost in what to do with my life. The programme really put me back on track. One word to describe the AWS re/Start programme is difficult but also transformative. I felt I really transformed my life in the 12 weeks, and became confident in myself again. My family were so happy for me and proud of my achievements.”

With the launch of new cohorts in Belfast and Cardiff earlier this year, reaching learners in Northern Ireland and Wales for the first time, in addition to new cohorts launching soon in Birmingham, Blackpool, Dublin, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, AWS re/Start will soon be available in 12 cities across the UK and Ireland. We hope by sharing Charlotte’s story, and the many others profiled in the report, it inspires more people to consider a career in technology, and apply for programmes like AWS re/Start.

Find out more about AWS re/Start here.