Absa, in collaboration with the Women in Tech (WiT) South Africa Chapter and Amazon Web Services (AWS), have upskilled 50 young women to help them build a career in cloud technology. As part of the #LiveToLearn Programme, the group earned an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, which is a globally recognised certification designed to enhance their employability in the IT industry.
The first-ever graduation ceremony of the #LiveToLearn AWS Becoming a cloud practitioner programme took place on 8 December 2023 at the AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town. The event was designed to celebrate the accomplishments of all the women who participated in and completed this programme. The #LiveToLearn programme was launched in August 2023 to coincide with Women’s Month, with a primary focus on empowering women, based in Cape Town with an IT background. The three-month program included the AWS Skills Centre becoming a cloud practitioner curriculum followed by a mock exam and a labs class.
To further support the participants, Absa organised a virtual masterclass, providing valuable insights into careers in cloud technology.
Reflecting on this collaboration, Absa expressed gratitude for being part of this initiative. “Gender diversity is an important imperative for Absa. We are focused on promoting women’s education, training, and professional development to close the gender gap in technology. This programme is a testament to our commitment, aligning seamlessly with our purpose of Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together—one story at a time,” said Daleen Pretorius, Head of Platforms Cloud at Absa.
AWS emphasised the importance of their commitment to train 29 million people by 2025 and in designing this programme to address the scarcity of cloud skills. “People will cloud technology skills are in high demand globally. AWS is committed to removing barriers for people to access the skills training they need to grow their career,” said Chris Erasmus, Country Manager at AWS South Africa “By providing an in-person learning space for anyone in the local community—regardless of background, education level, or social status—AWS is helping to create a diverse pipeline of entry-level cloud talent across the region.”
The programme contributes to the efforts of all three companies who are committed to doing their part in bridging the gender gap in the tech industry and WiT sees this initiative as a significant step towards achieving its mission. “Our goal is to empower five million women and girls by 2030, bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. The #LiveToLearn programme aligns with this mission, and we are proud of the impact it has already made,” said Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director at Women in Tech.
Absa’s Cloud Incubator and the #LiveToLearn AWS Skills Centre becoming a cloud practitioner program serves as a model for addressing the unique needs and challenges in the tech industry, offering an opportunity for women with IT backgrounds to acquire specialised cloud skills.
As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives like these play a crucial role in building a diverse and skilled workforce.
Learn more about AWS Skills Centre Cape Town—including hours of operation and a calendar of events—and sign up for free classes. If you have additional questions, email aws-skills-center-capetown@amazon.com.
