AWS re/Start Launches in Thailand to Prepare Local Talent for Cloud Careers
Free program builds pipeline of local tech talent by providing cloud skills training and job interview opportunities to unemployed and underemployed individuals
BANGKOK, 24 May 2023 – Today, Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company, announced the launch of AWS re/Start in Thailand. AWS re/Start is a skills-based workforce development program that is free to the learner and prepares underemployed and unemployed individuals for new careers in cloud computing, and provides them with interview opportunities at potential employers. The program is offered at no cost to learners, and previous technology experience is not required to apply.
Gallup research, commissioned by AWS, shows that 94% of non-tech workers in Thailand are extremely or very interested in receiving training in at least one digital skill such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics. However, 53% of non-tech workers cite a lack of time as an impediment. AWS re/Start helps address this challenge by providing in-person or synchronous virtual training over 12-weeks and supports participants as they launch new cloud computing careers.
The program covers fundamental AWS Cloud skills and practical career tips including resume writing and interviewing techniques. Through real-world, scenario-based exercises, labs, and coursework, students build knowledge about Linux, Python, networking, security, and relational database. They are prepared for entry-level cloud roles in operations, site reliability, infrastructure support, and more.
AWS re/Start also covers the cost for participants to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam, so they can validate their cloud skills with an industry-recognized credential. 92% of Thai employers say that digital certifications or training courses are acceptable substitutes for a bachelor’s degree, according to Gallup.
In Thailand, AWS re/Start will be delivered nationwide by collaborating organization xLab which is headquartered in Bangkok. The company is known for helping traditional Thai businesses identify digital opportunities and then transform them through digital technologies. AWS re/Start will work with xLab to connect program graduates to potential employers.
“Thailand’s digital economy has emerged from the pandemic stronger than before, yet the demand for cloud adoption continues to outpace the number of new cloud-savvy workers, leaving organizations struggling to find the talent needed to implement cloud services. The Gallup research shows that 94% of Thai businesses find it challenging to hire the digital workers they need,” said AWS Country Manager for Thailand, Vatsun Thirapatarapong. “AWS re/Start brings new talent from non-traditional sources into the cloud ecosystem by skilling people with little or no technology experience and helping them kickstart their cloud careers. Together with xLab, we are pleased to be able offer this opportunity for Thai people to pivot into an exciting and ever-changing industry.”
“xLab’s ultimate goal is to stimulate economic development in Thailand by cultivating a pool of skilled technology professionals who can address the current skills shortage. We are excited to collaborate with the AWS re/Start program to provide cloud skills training, a support network, and employment opportunities to aspiring Thai talent across the nation,” said xLab Chief Operating Officer, Lloyd Vatanakovarun.
AWS Partners G-Able and NTT Thailand plan to interview and hire graduates from the AWS re/Start program into various entry-level cloud roles. They will work closely with xLab to identify talent and find employment opportunities for them.
“To advance Thailand’s digital transformation, we are committed to providing skilling opportunities to diverse talent and believe that programs like AWS re/Start will help accelerate growth and future possibilities in the technology and cloud industries. We look forward to collaborating with AWS to build a workforce that will support the country’s current and future digital transformation,” said G-Able Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Thitikarn Krisanaviparkporn.
“AT NTT (Thailand) Limited, we know that in order to accelerate the growth of the cloud industry, we need to focus on identifying and supporting people who want to make the transition into cloud roles. We are glad to collaborate with AWS to help close the digital skills gap in Thailand. The AWS re/Start program is integral to attracting talent from underserved communities and bringing them to the forefront of the tech industry,” said NTT Thailand CEO, Sutas Kongdumrongkiat.
AWS re/Start is currently delivered in over 180 cities across more than 60 countries worldwide. For the last 18-months, AWS has been focused on growing the program in the ASEAN region with successful launches in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam where it is delivered by a network of local collaborating organizations on the ground.
“I was interested in joining the AWS re/Start program because it provides a chance for people who did not study IT or work in technical fields, to gain new knowledge and experience, and potentially advance my career in cloud computing,” said Bangkok Graphic Designer and Office Administrator, Suttikarn Suranan. “I am confident that this line of work is in high demand and will continue to be so in the future. The best part is that the training is free of charge, so I’ve decided to take this opportunity to learn cloud skills and invest in myself.”
The first AWS re/Start Thailand cohort began in early May and follows the official announcement of the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Bangkok) Region in October 2022, which includes plans for an estimated investment of more than 190 billion baht (US $5 billion) in Thailand over 15 years. Digital skills training is a key part of that, ensuring public and private sector employers and workers can take full advantage of the cloud to accelerate their business and career growth, increase productivity and innovation, and ultimately support the country’s economic progress in the digital age. AWS has trained over 50,000 people in Thailand on cloud skills since 2017 and is committed to helping the country close its skills gap through its training and certification programs.
To learn more visit AWS re/Start. To apply to join the program in Thailand click here.
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About Amazon Web Services
Since 2006, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any workload, and it now has more than 200 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), media, and application development, deployment, and management from 99 Availability Zones within 31 geographic regions, with announced plans for 15 more Availability Zones and five more AWS Regions in Canada, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit aws.amazon.com.
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