Workforce Readiness

Idaho Taps AWS to Train Cloud-Ready Workforce

• By Rhea Kelly
• 08/20/21

A statewide initiative in Idaho aims to train and certify 2,000 Idahoans in cloud computing over the next two years. The state's STEM Action Center, a government organization tasked with creating opportunities for educators, students, communities and industry to "build a competitive Idaho workforce and economy through STEM and computer science education," has partnered with Amazon Web Services to provide technical training through participating public high schools, community colleges and universities.

AWS' education programs will power course offerings for students both at the high school and higher education level, as well as for adults reskilling or reentering the workforce. For example, the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education is using curricula from AWS in its Web Design & Development and Programming & Software Development Pathways courses, which will be available at the College of Eastern Idaho this fall. And Idaho State University is utilizing AWS education programs within its business technology program, with a new tech certification launching in spring 2022. All of the programs will prepare learners for AWS certifications and other in-demand skills in cloud computing.

Through August 2022, the Idaho STEM Action Center is also providing free training for educators to help them implement AWS cloud-computing education in their classrooms, as well as support to pursue their own AWS certifications.

"Providing innovative professional development opportunities like this to leaders, educators and industry helps Idaho build a more competitive workforce and bolster its economy," said Kaitlin Maguire, executive director for the Idaho STEM Action Center, in a statement. "This collaboration will help enhance the digital literacy of Idaho students and increase the pool of workers certified in cloud computing."

For more information, visit the Idaho STEM Action Center site.