ThinkSmart for Development and Training announced today that it has graduated the first cohort of the AWS re/Start program from Amazon Web Services (AWS). Launched in Bahrain in October 2021, ThinkSmart delivered the training for the program that helps prepare participants for entry-level cloud computing roles.

AWS re/Start is a free, full-time, 12-week program for unemployed and underemployed people, and a technology background is not required to apply. The training provides skills training in cloud technologies, career and resume coaching, and opportunities to interview with local employers. With the support of professional mentors and accredited instructors, participants build technology skills such as programming, networking, security, and relational databases through real-world scenario-based learning, hands-on labs, and coursework.

The program also prepares and covers the cost for participants to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. The certification validates their cloud skills with an industry-recognized credential. On completion of the program, participants can apply for entry-level cloud roles in cloud operations, site reliability, infrastructure support, and technical adjacent business support functions.

On February 24^th, ThinkSmart held a virtual graduation ceremony to honor these graduates and their hard work and dedication to the program. The graduation ceremony is also a means to network these newly made Cloud Practitioners to industry partners in the IT field so that they may make valuable connections to potential employers.

Ahmed AlHujairy, CEO, ThinkSmart, said, “I am proud of the success of this program and of our graduates, each of whom have worked hard during these months. This program is a success because of their hard work and dedication. Special thanks to AWS, without whom this whole program would not be possible and to our industry partners, whose presence serves to strengthen this whole endeavor. This program has given our young graduates the knowledge they need to become valuable entry level IT professionals in any company. We wish our first ever AWS re/Start graduates all the success in their future careers!”

Interested candidates and partners are requested to visit the landing page – http://thinksmartgulf.com/aws-re-start/  to become part of this initiative.