The Future is in the Cloud
The challenges of the ongoing pandemic have highlighted a significant gap in businesses having equitable access to technology and internet services. Institutions from K-12 and higher education, healthcare, retail, transportation and virtually every industry grappled with the demand to quickly provide access to digital learning and tools to continue business safely while providing these services.

What’s the Solution?
Companies need a workforce with cloud computing expertise. Even with IT and digital technology leading at the forefront of business and education needs across the nation, only 66% of IT decision-makers feel their team has the necessary skill levels and knowledge required to achieve organizational objectives.

Cloud computing is the delivery of IT resources over the Internet (the cloud) with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning and maintaining physical data centers and servers, you can access technology services - computing power, storage and databases - on an as-needed basis from a cloud provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Organizations of all sizes are using AWS for a wide variety of services, such as data backup, security, disaster recovery, email, virtual desktops, software development and testing, data analytics, and customer-facing web applications.

Examples of industries using a cloud provider like AWS:
•Automotive companies are using the cloud to store inventory (picture hundreds of car parts) and additional data and can search an all-in-one, easily accessible location.
•Insurance companies are using the cloud to set up customer portals that help employees and customers keep track of their accounts and claim statuses.
•Financial service companies are using the security of the cloud to assist with real-time fraud detection and prevention.
•Cloud computing in education helps students, teachers and administrators alike. It allows students access to homework wherever there is an internet connection, teachers to instantly upload learning materials, and
administrators to easily collaborate with one another and save money on data storage.

Professional Cloud Training by Local AWS-Accredited Instructors
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a comprehensive and broadly adopted on-demand cloud platform that offers featured services from global data centers on a pay-as-you-go basis. Startups, large enterprises and government agencies use AWS to lower costs, become more responsive, and break new grounds.

As the only accredited AWS Academy in the state of Arkansas, NWACC offers AWS Academy Cloud Foundations, Cloud Architecting and Data Analytics courses, with plans for a full deployment of all AWS Academy courses by June 2022. The curriculum is taught by the college’s AWS Academy-accredited instructors, ensuring the program reflects current services and up-to-date best practices, while preparing you with the necessary industry skills and proficiency in AWS technology.

The Value of AWS Certification
•AWS experts are in demand, so there are numerous job opportunities in fast-growing industries.
•Validates AWS skills and knowledge to current or potential employers.
•Increases opportunities for career advancement and/or salary increase.
•Industry-recognized certifications demonstrate commitment to the profession.
•Gain access to the Credly network to connect with other certified professionals and potential employers and to view job postings.
•Educators learn for free and gain significant cost-savings towards the certification exam.

Types of AWS Certifications:
•Foundational-level certification:
Learners with as little as six months of fundamental AWS cloud and industry knowledge.
•Associate-level certification:
Practitioners generally have one year of experience solving problems and implementing solutions using the AWS Cloud.
•Professional-level certification:
Practitioners have two years of comprehensive experience designing, operating and troubleshooting solutions using the AWS cloud.
•AWS Specialty
Practitioners may pursue additional technical AWS cloud certification within specific domains including Advanced Networking, Big Data, Security, Machine Learning and Alexa Skill Builder.

Whether you wish to explore creative business solutions or hone your craft, NWACC can help you catalyze your career. To learn more about how NWACC can assist you with taking the next leap, contact Evetta ‘Eve’ Aldridge, Director of Training & Community Development at (479) 619-4175 or visit www.nwacc.edu/workforce. Aldridge was hosted by Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce SVP of Economic Development Steve Cox on a recent Chamber Voice of Business Podcast. Listen to the episode now by clicking here.