How AWS’ SaaS Online Learning Could Address the IT Skills Gap

Source: AWS

If you’re looking to improve your skills in cloud computing, Amazon Web Services might just have the courses for you.

The major cloud provider has released premium paid subscriptions for its cloud computing skills program. Dubbed “AWS Skill Builder,” the training courses are hands-on and provide exclusive access to content on top of the company’s free courses.

Last year, Amazon launched free training programs on cloud computing. The new paid courses now include progress reports and exam prep courses for three AWS Certification Practice Exams and over 100 AWS Builder Labs. It also has more than 140 challenges included in AWS Jam events.

The AWS Skill Builder individual plan starts at $29 per month. Yearly subscriptions are priced at $299. Meanwhile, Amazon has priced annual team subscriptions at $449 for each team member. It also offers further discounts on customized pricing for larger teams.

Addressing the IT Skills Shortage

In a blog post for AWS, Sébastien Stormacq wrote that the company hopes to close the skills gap with its AWS Skill Builder programs. “I talk with customers every day. When I ask them the main obstacles to adopting the cloud, they all mention the lack of trained IT professionals. In fact, 76% of IT decision-makers report an IT skills gap,” wrote Stormacq.

Experts see the current IT skills shortage as a problem that will turn from bad to worse. The Great Resignation has also exacerbated the problem. Software developers who stayed with their companies also face the risk of burnout due to their increased workload.

The AWS Skill Builder could help bring new blood to the industry by making it easier for learners to acquire real-world skills. With hands-on training and certifications, learners can gain confidence in their skills, while companies could have a bigger talent pool of IT candidates specializing in cloud computing.

Adding exclusive content under paid subscriptions could also help motivate students in their learning. When students know they’re paying for training, they often put greater value on courses. They make sure to set aside time for their studies and see it through until they receive their certification.

AWS and the SaaS Model

AWS Skill Builder adopts the SaaS model. It’s an online learning subscription platform that could raise revenues for the company. There are many speculations about an impending economic slowdown and the tech industry is not exactly recession-proof. However, tech companies can offset their losses in a recession by leveraging other segments of their business.

The paid subscriptions for AWS Skill Builder does exactly that for Amazon. Amazon’s core business is still ecommerce but sales have been declining since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. The company’s cloud services have stepped in to make up for losses in the online retail business. Amazon reported better-than-expected Q2 revenues ($121.2 billion vs. $113.1 billion expected). This is despite the decline of ecommerce.

AWS is an important factor in the company’s financial performance. It contributed $19.74 billion in revenues, which is 33% more compared to last year’s figures.

Though SaaS is also not recession-proof, it does have some level of immunity at least for the short term. Enterprise IT spending is down but SaaS is still considered one of the essential tools for business. AWS Skill Builder’s SaaS model could bring new customers and continuous cash flow. In a recession, establishing other streams of income is key to making sure a company can weather a looming economic storm.