Amazon will provide cloud computing skills to youth in South Africa RLabs is a South African social enterprise that has sparked a global movement. They now partner with Amazon Web Services to train learners on the on-demand cloud computing platform.

Born in the heart of the gang-ridden Cape Flats, RLabs founder Marlon Parker says they are on a mission to build a stronger future workforce and digital businesses “by equipping youth through various development programmes.” RLabs will offer training to enable unemployed young people and graduates to cloud fluency. This partnership creates new opportunities for economic growth in cloud computing jobs. “The world of work is evolving quickly, which means you have to figure out how to prepare for a future job role that’s impossible to predict,” says Parker. “In South Africa, with our high youth unemployment numbers, we need to train our young people to unlock the opportunities of the 21st century. Working together with AWS, presents an opportunity for RLabs to create a workforce, especially from underserved and underrepresented communities, that can leverage the power of the AWS Cloud.” Cloud technologies are helping businesses transform rapidly, so employees who have the ability to use them are highly sought after. Research has shown that over 85% of companies have a deficit in cloud knowledge.

AWS classroom training

RLabs can apply for the AWS training partner program if they are able to provide high-quality technical education experiences. Experts develop and maintain the training content to reflect current best practices. AWS classroom training offers learners the opportunity to engage in live learning and to have questions answered by experts. Many courses include hands-on labs that allow learners to simulate real-world situations in a sandbox setting. Training helps learners prepare for AWS Certification exams that validate technical skills and expertise using an industry-recognized credential. RLabs also offers certification vouchers, which are packaged with training courses. These certificates make it easy to validate your cloud skills. Maureen Lonergan, director for AWS training and certification, says, “Organisations need individuals with cloud skills to help transform their business, and there is a growing demand for IT professionals with AWS Cloud skills. “AWS training and certification, along with our AWS training partners like RLabs, aims to equip the builders of today and tomorrow with the knowledge they need to leverage the power of the AWS Cloud.” RLabs was founded in 2009 and is an award-winning non profit. RLabs was established in 2009 in Cape Flats. It has now expanded its reach to 23 countries and 5 continents with a total impact of more than 25,000,000 people. Over 1.5 million members of the community have benefited directly from the RLabs economic empowerment and skills training programmes.