AWS Empowers 4 Mn In India With In-Demand Cloud Skills, Aims For Continued Growth
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has successfully upskilled 4 million individuals in India since 2017. This number is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, as AWS continues its commitment to driving even deeper scale for learners in the country, said Andrew Sklar, Director of Training and Certification, Asia Pacific and Japan at AWS.
Speaking with BW Businessworld, Sklar expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing efforts and said "AWS programs are intended to drive an even deeper scale for learners in India. So, I would expect that number only to grow exponentially over the coming years."
According to a NASSCOM report on the economic impact of cloud, released in 2022, cloud computing could account for 8 per cent of India's GDP and create 14 million jobs by 2026. However, Sklar highlighted that 88 per cent of AWS customers in India found it challenging to hire the right digital worker with relevant skills.
Recognising this challenge, AWS introduced innovative solutions to bridge the skills gap. The AWS Skill Builder offers gamified learning experiences, helping employers identify qualified applicants and assisting learners in developing job-ready skills. This initiative is looking to make individuals more employable from day one by equipping them with in-demand cloud computing skills.
A recent study conducted by AWS and Gallup found that workers in India with advanced digital skills, such as cloud architecture or software development, contribute approximately USD 507.9 billion (Rs 10.9 trillion) to the country's annual GDP.
To further support skill development in India, AWS launched the AWS re/Start program in 2021. This free, full-time, 12-week initiative prepares unemployed or underemployed individuals for careers in cloud computing. Collaborating with organizations like Accenture, Tech Mahindra Foundation, Generation India, and IPE Global and AISECT, AWS re/Start has made significant strides in empowering learners to pursue cloud computing careers.
In 2023, AWS unveiled a new track under the AWS re/Start program called AWS re/Start Associate. This program specifically targets unemployed and underemployed IT professionals, enabling them to modernise their skills and pivot to mid-level cloud careers. AWS is collaborating with Generation India Foundation, a non-profit education-to-employment organization, to deliver this program locally.
Currently, both AWS re/Start and AWS re/Start Associate are available to learners in 17 cities across India, including Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hissar, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kurnool, Lucknow, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Vizag.
Sklar told BW Businessworld that AWS is expecting to upskill more Indians on cloud skills at a much faster rate over next few years.
Lately, AWS has been stepping up its long-term commitment to India. The company announced plans in May to invest Rs 1,05,600 crore (USD 12.7 billion) in cloud infrastructure by 2030. This significant investment aims to meet the growing customer demand for cloud services in the country. Furthermore, the planned investment is estimated to support an average of 1,31,700 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in Indian businesses each year, building on AWS' previous investment of Rs 30,900 crore (USD 3.7 billion) between 2016 and 2022.
