BC Tech in partnership with Youth Employment Services YES has launched the Digital Lift – Rapid Skill program designed to help individuals break into the tech sector by learning in-demand tech skills.
The program will deliver the proven Amazon Web Services AWS re/Start program which is a free 12-week, full time skills development program that prepares individuals for entry-level careers in the cloud. BC Tech and YES will support learners throughout the AWS re/Start program and help launch careers in cloud computing.
Together AWS re/Start, BC Tech and YES are excited to help individuals develop in-demand cloud skills and prepare for jobs. Each cohort of 20-25 participants, supported by professional mentors and accredited trainers, completes 12 weeks of technical training featuring scenario-based learning, hands on labs and coursework, plus 3 weeks of pre-employment coaching and soft-skills training to help prepare for interviews and meetings with potential employers.
YES has successfully delivered this program in Ontario with more than 150 participants enrolled to date. Participants who have completed programming have reported an average hourly wage of $26.67 – an 86% increase on the current minimum wage in Ontario.
“Since the 60s, YES has been at the forefront of ensuring youth are prepared for the future of work, and this program is one of many the complements to our approach that is bettering the lives of young Canadians,” said YES President Timothy Lang. “We want to make sure that unemployed and underemployed youth have access to the career paths, training, and ultimately job offers that will set them up to have long lasting careers. We know cloud computing has changed the way we live and work, and the opportunities are endless in the job market for talent.”
Employment is an extremely important part of any person’s journey. The program will enable the participants to learn important technical skills, employment skills, gain confidence, independence and provide positive prospects for their future of work. Through the partnership with BC Tech, YES will help change lives in BC and provide an economic recovery solution for people who have been impacted by COVID-19.
“BC Tech is thrilled to provide cloud computing skills training through the AWS re/Start program. With the generous funding of our Digital Lift partners, we are helping individuals who are under-employed or unemployed develop in-demand cloud skills and embark on a fulfilling career in BC’s tech sector,” shared Erika Borgerson, VP of Marketing, BC Tech.
AWS re/Start will be offered in British Columbia for the first time, and be available to a cohort of students in the BC area. A technology background is not required to apply for the 12-week course.
Through real-world, scenario-based learning, labs, and coursework, learners gain the skills they need for an entry-level cloud role, such as cloud operations, site reliability, infrastructure support, and technical adjacent business support functions. AWS re/Start, which is taught by an AWS accredited instructor, also provides learners with resume and interview coaching to prepare for employer meetings and interviews.
With technology, changing demographics, and globalization altering the types of jobs available, we need to ensure that young people are provided the skills and ability to develop the knowledge, values and a diverse range of critical thinking and communication skills for the digital age in order to give them a competitive edge in the labour market.
Youth are encouraged to learn more and apply for the program online.
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