How Amazon plans to train 100 000 South Africans to do cloud computing

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the tech subsidiary of the global e-commerce giant, is planning to get 100 000 young South Africans trained as certified cloud computing practitioners for free.

The plan centres on AWS’s Skills Centre in Cape Town, the first of its kind outside of the US.

AWS managing director of Europe, Middle East, Europe and Africa, Tanuja Randery, said at the opening of the centre on Wednesday that the company was aiming to promote economic growth and job creation, especially since virtual cloud spending has increased by more than 13% in this country.

She said AWS had invested more than R15 billion in SA and supported 5 700 jobs to date.

“We will continue to invest in the future with over R30 billion [more].”

According to the World Economic Forum, there is huge demand for cloud computing talent, and it is expected to be a requisite for over 2.6 million jobs globally by 2027.

The centre will be open to people between the ages of 18 and 36.

The free in-person and virtual classes and training courses will be open to people between the ages of 18 and 36. They can acquire certification as an AWC Certified Cloud Practitioner and participate in networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Class registration can take place at the centre or online and can range from six to 14 weeks.

The centre also has eight exhibits to illustrate how cloud computing is used in things such as live translation services, sports, sustainability projects, space exploration, and gaming.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said at the launch that the centre would play an important part in alleviating the country’s ongoing unemployment crisis by helping the youth with skills to make them more employable in the future.

“We are looking forward to working with AWS to bring powerful training resources to the citizens of South Africa. By investing in our people and their future, we also invest in South Africa’s future and advancing our stature in the global economy.”

 Winde also confirmed that there had been ongoing discussions with Amazon about providing other services in the province, including for possible Amazon retail warehouses.

The science and technology field covers a wide selection of jobs. Whether you are preserving nature as an environmental scientist or developing programs as a software engineering manage r, you can help solve problems and design new products. Understanding the different types of technology and science jobs can help you determine where your skills would best fit. In this article, we discuss what technology and science jobs are, share the benefits of working in this field and provide a list of careers in technology and science .

What are technology and science careers?

A technology and science encompass several closely related fields, which include the following:

• Mathematics

• Computer and information sciences

• Physics

• Chemical science

• Earth and environmental sciences

• Biological science

Technology and science jobs often exist at the intersection of one or more of these fields, so knowledge of more than one field is highly desirable .

Why should you pursue a career in technology and science?

Here are some of the benefits of working in this career field:

• In-demand degree: Professionals use science to solve many of the world’s most pressing technological, medical and environmental problems, so these fields continue to grow.

• Ability to solve problems: Technology and science jobs allow you to develop flexible problem-solving skills and apply these skills to timely, real world issues.

• Ability to make a difference: Those who want to use their skills in service of the environment or people may consider a career in the technology and science field because this work can address significant issues that impact the planet.

• Opportunity to design: Some technology and science jobs offer opportunities to design new equipment to improve peoples’ quality of life or enhance scientific procedures.

Top technology and science jobs

If you are looking for a career in the technology and science field, consider this list of jobs with their annual average salaries and primary job duties:

1. Computer support specialist

Primary duties: Computer support specialists assist customers with computer related problems. By asking customers questions, these specialists are able to diagnose technical issues and explain any necessary steps the customer needs to take.

2. Veterinary technician

Primary duties: Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in the care of animals being examined for injury or illness. They perform tasks such as taking diagnostic X-rays, administering medications and reporting conditions of the animals.

3. Avionics technician

Primary duties: Avionics technicians conduct maintenance on flying vehicles. Tasks include repairing components of the aircraft, replacing defective parts and reading maintenance manuals to educate themselves on repair procedures.

4. Chemical technician

Primary duties: Chemical technicians help chemists and engineers research, develop, produce and test chemical products and processes. They prepare chemical solutions and collect their findings in formal reports.

5. Environmental science technician

Primary duties: Environmental science technicians conduct laboratory and field tests to find sources of pollution. They maintain data collections of their findings and work to help solve environmental problems.

6. Hardware technician

Primary duties: Hardware technicians design computer hardware equipment for computers and electrical systems. Through testing, they refine what isn’t working and ensure success during installation.

7. Forensic science technician

Primary duties: Forensic science technicians assist in criminal investigations by collecting and examining evidence. Depending on what they discover from the evidence, a forensic science technician may testify in court to share their findings.

8. Engineering professor

Primary duties: Engineering professors instruct courses in chemical, electrical, civil, industrial, mechanical, mineral and petroleum engineering. They also conduct research in their specific field of study, publish their findings and write grants to fund future research projects.

9. Microbiologist

Primary duties: Microbiologists plan and lead research projects for developing new pharmaceutical products, medicines and vaccines. Trying to understand how microorganisms affect human lives, these biological scientists study samples, conduct experiments and write detailed reports of their findings.

10. Pathology assistant

Primary duties: Pathology assistants analyze biological samples for the presence of abnormal components such as disease. The technologists enter data into the computer and share the results with patients, physicians and researchers.

11. Geologist

Primary duties: Geologists study the earth’s physical aspects. Once they have samples from the earth’s crust, geoscientists carry out tests on them to study the chemical and physical components. They also use advanced software to map terrain and assist other scientists with this knowledge.

12. Environmental scientist

Primary duties: Environmental scientists work to protect the environment and human health with their knowledge of natural sciences. They conduct fieldwork to monitor environmental conditions and develop programs to mitigate environmental hazards.

13. Cartographer

Primary duties: Cartographers use advanced scientific software to create maps, graphs and other illustrations for government agencies and private companies. They also create records of geographic data and offer support for decisions involving land usage.

14. Web developer

Primary duties: Web developers take designs from clients to create applications for websites, using a variety of code languages. Other duties include troubleshooting website problems along with updating and managing the appearance of websites.

15. Petroleum engineer

Primary duties: Petroleum engineers design methods for extracting oil and gas from the ground. They develop ways for injecting liquids into oil reserves to force more oil out, and they ensure the correct installation and maintenance of oil field equipment.

16. Computer systems analyst

Primary duties: Computer systems analysts design and implement software-based solutions to company and client technical problems. They can also work to enhance existing systems and provide guidance on continued system maintenance.

17. Geographer

Primary duties: Geographers gather physical science data through maps, photographs, field observations, censuses and satellite images. They use their findings in combination with scientific knowledge to predict how an environment will develop over time , and they provide this knowledge to other researchers, government agencies or private clients.

18. Computer systems administrator

Primary duties: Computer systems administrators check that the security and performance of the computers they manage meet the needs of the network user. They set up systems, maintain daily operations and solve any problems that occur.

19. Environmental engineer

Primary duties: Environmental engineers work to develop renewable energy resources and protect people from harmful environmental effects, such as air pollution. They also focus efforts on improving recycling and waste disposal.

20. Civil engineer

Primary duties: Civil engineers design, build and supervise infrastructure projects for government or private organizations. They also conduct studies and investigate sites to determine the feasibility of their designs for projects, such as constructing a new bridge or dam.

21. Biomedical engineer

Primary duties: Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical sciences to create equipment and devices. The process includes research and tests to find what works and presenting successful findings to medical manufacturers.

1. Materials engineer

Primary duties: Materials engineers develop, process and test materials used in products to ensure quality. When they discover faults in materials, these engineers suggest solutions for overcoming the issue and determine the cause.

23. Medical scientist

Primary duties: Medical scientists work to investigate human diseases and ways to prevent and treat them through studies. Medical scientists collect data from trial procedures to standardize drugs or medical devices.

24. Database administrator

Primary duties: Database administrators install and maintain database servers. Data handling includes securing, monitoring and troubleshooting to create effective networks.

25. Food scientist

Primary duties: Food scientists work to improve the efficiency and safety of the food processing industry, ensuring that organizations within this industry meet health guidelines. They research alternative manufacturing methods, test food products for bacteria and evaluate the nutritional value of food.

26. Physician assistant

Primary duties: Physician assistants perform patient wellness exams and basic medical procedures under the supervision of a licensed doctor. They diagnose illnesses, order X-rays and laboratory tests and prescribe medications.

27. Research scientist

Primary duties: Research scientists design and examine the information from laboratory experiments. They also are responsible for publishing their findings in academic journals and writing grant proposals to raise funds needed for related projects.

28. Nurse practitioner

Primary duties: Nurse practitioners perform patient exams and educate patients of preventive care. They also record patient medical histories, create patient care plans and order diagnostic tests.

29. Software engineering manager

Primary duties: Software engineering managers oversee the design and development of software applications, assigning work to engineers. They also provide support and the necessary training for the software engineering staff. Other duties include preparing budgets, drafting proposals for clients and checking for the technical accuracy of the work.

30. Machine learning engineer

Primary duties: Machine learning engineers develop artificial intelligence (AI) models to recommend online searches, serve as chatbots and direct self-driving cars. These engineers choose the right machine learning algorithm to implement after performing tests and experiments.

31. Dentist

Primary duties: Dentists provide oral health guidance to patients and assist in preventive and restorative care of teeth and gums. They also administer X-rays, fill cavities and clean teeth.

Technology and Science