Transforming Lives and Careers

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, skills in technology and cloud computing are more essential than ever.

Women and racialized people, in particular, continue to be underrepresented in tech. That’s why we’ve made it a priority at AWS to support several initiatives aimed at creating a diverse generation of creative thinkers and future builders in the communities where we build our data centres, and where our employees live and work.

In Calgary, a program to reshape the tech workforce is making waves: AWS re/Start, offered through Momentum, a change-making Calgary-based organization that takes an economic approach to poverty reduction.

Since AWS re/Start launched in Calgary in 2021, this transformative 12-week program has prepared women for entry-level careers in the cloud, equipping them with the skills to thrive in a quickly evolving job market and connecting them to potential employers.

In just four years, the program has had a big impact on local lives and the broader Canadian job market.

At its core, AWS re/Start is about developing job-ready local tech talent. It provides essential cloud skills and work placement opportunities for unemployed or underemployed individuals. The program is also designed for those who may not have traditional backgrounds in technology.

By providing free cloud skills development and work placement opportunities, it aims to build local talent in a meaningful way. “Graduates walk away not only with technical skills in AWS Cloud, but also with essential professional skills and a broadened professional network,” explains Kiki Macdonald, Career & Life Skills Facilitator at Momentum.

With registration for a new cohort now opening, it’s a good time to highlight the stories of those whose lives have been transformed by re/Start.

One of these graduates is Han Nguyen, a geology graduate, who was working a retail job before transitioning industry. When she heard about Momentum’s AWS re/Start program, Han began to consider a major change in direction.

“The tech world had always seemed intimidating,” she recalls but AWS re/Start opened doors she never knew existed. Han was one of 13 women in the program that specifically targets women entering tech.

 “I didn’t know much details about what the cloud was before starting,” she says. So the focus on hands-on learning, combined with the supportive teaching style, made all the difference.

“We worked directly with our instructor on labs and real-world scenarios, which gave me the confidence I needed.”

Now working as a Service Desk Analyst at Absorb Software, Han uses the skills she gained during AWS re/Start every day.

 “Networking and understanding services like Amazon Simple Storage Service have been particularly valuable for me,” she says, noting that the program not only taught her technical skills, but also gave her the chance to expand her professional network. “I’d love to inspire other women to consider tech—if I can do this, so can others.”

The AWS re/Start program has also played a pivotal role in Meenu Bhardwaj’s career growth. She currently works as a Cybersecurity Program Manager at a cybersecurity startup in Calgary.

“Before joining, I didn’t have a clear direction in my career,” Meenu says.

But with the help of AWS re/Start, Meenu says she now has a strong understanding of cloud fundamentals, which fuels her confidence in complex discussions about security and compliance.

“Momentum provided me with an amazing instructor, Charlie, who challenged us and helped us gain real, soft and hard skills,” she says. 

These skills have allowed her to connect the dots in her job and even pivot towards more specialized roles in cybersecurity. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program. It directly led me to where I wanted to be within just a year,” Meenu says. 

Hiring managers echo the sentiments of the graduates, underscoring the program's success in preparing qualified candidates.

Nicholas Truong, Director of IT at Absorb Software, describes his experience with Momentum’s AWS re/Start interns: “When we were looking for a junior team member, we knew the program could provide us with candidates who had the skills we were missing—particularly in AWS.”

“Graduates bring a fresh perspective to our projects,” he notes, highlighting how quickly they adapt and take ownership of responsibilities. “This program fills a critical gap in the tech job market while shedding light on the potential of underrepresented talent.”

AWS has long been committed to equipping Canadians with sought-after skills. Since 2017, we’ve trained more than 300,000 Canadians on cloud and technical skills.

AWS re/Start is a key part of this commitment. It also addresses crucial employment gaps in Calgary, where the burgeoning tech industry is in dire need of skilled professionals.

When asked if three months training is sufficient to land a job in IT, AWS re/Start Trainer, Charlie Turking says: “Absolutely!”, highlighting that the skills learned can also be used everywhere.

"Employers have the opportunity to engage with learners during a five-week work experience,” Kiki adds.

The testimonials of both learners and employers reflect a shared theme: Momentum’s AWS re/Start program equips participants with technical expertise and launches them on new and exciting career paths. The program also strengthens the local economy by fostering a diverse and deep pool of talent.

“If you’re an employer and looking to hire, Momentum has skilled graduates ready to enter the labor market," Kiki concludes.

Register for Momentum’s AWS re/Start here. Learn more about our how AWS is building stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities here.