AWS re/Start
Launch your career in Tech!
AWS re/Start is a free 12 week bootcamp to kickstart your career in tech as a Cloud Support Practitioner — run in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and the WMCA. Take the Where Do I Belong in Tech Quiz to see if this is the right programme for you.
What jobs could I do after completing the programme?
This programme trains you to become a AWS Cloud Support Practitioner – a Cloud Practitioner is someone who works with cloud technology to design and develop cloud-based solutions for companies. AWS stands for Amazon Web Services, a popular cloud platform.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is open to anyone aged 19-29 who is living in the West Midlands and currently unemployed or working on a zero-hours contract.
You don’t need any qualifications or experience to apply and we encourage applications from groups under-represented in the tech industry – particularly women, those aged under 30 and those without university degrees.
We are looking for learners who:
- enjoy working with technology but don’t have much or any experience
- enjoy problem solving and thinking creatively to find solutions
- like to work in a team to complete tasks or challenges
What will you gain from the programme?
- It’s free! Gain all the skills you need to kickstart a career in the tech industry, at no cost
- Average estimated starting salary from £22-26k in your first role and access to future progression opportunities
- Grow in confidence and resilience, while building your first professional network in the classroom.
Hear more from programme graduate Javeriyah below, who became a Systems Engineer after completing AWS re/Start.
- Free training and qualification You’ll learn all you need to be successful in a cloud technology career – from the coding languages & technical knowledge of cloud computing to the employment skills that will help you achieve your potential. At the end of the programme you’ll be ready to take your AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification – and we’ll fund you to do it.
- Connect with employers At the end of the programme, Generation will connect you with employers hiring for cloud and devops engineer roles, support you through your application, and help you transition into your working life.
- Free travel and lunch And if you’re receiving universal credit or other benefits, we’ll work with you to make sure you continue to receive these during the programme.
This programme is delivered in collaboration with West Midlands Combined Authority and AWS (Amazon Web Services).
Program Length
12 weeksMonday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Start Date
29 August 2023

A few simple steps
- 15 minutes 1
Register your interest
Fill out some quick details about yourself
Apply Now! - 1 hour 2
Complete some online tasks
In your own time, complete some short tasks related to the programme. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have any existing knowledge or experience to be able to complete them.
- 1/2 day 3
Come to an information session
If you pass the online tasks, you'll be able to sign up for an information session. You'll hear from employers and past participants, and learn how to be successful in your application.
- 1-2 hours 4
Final task
After the information session, you'll complete a final online task - this is a chance for you to explore more about Amazon Web Services, and show your motivation to do the programme.
- 2 hours 5
Interview and ID checks
We use this time to get to know you better as a person, to learn about your motivation to do the programme, and to understand how we can best support you to complete it successfully.
You'll also need to bring ID and work status documentation with you to this interview.
Funded by
What is an AWS Cloud Support Practitioner?
Cloud technology underpins everything we experience online. From Netflix to Facebook, Reddit to the BBC, millions of companies around the world use Amazon Web Services and the Cloud to power their businesses.
As a Cloud Support Practitioner, you'll support businesses to find cloud-based solutions for their challenges. It's a creative role, with a lot of teamwork and problem-solving.
Hear our grads' experiences of the programme below, and head to our instagram and twitter to find out more.
Amazon Web Services, the “Powered by AWS” logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.
Skills Earned
Technical Skills
We'll help you learn the technical skills with lots of hands-on, interactive sessions. By the end, you'll know:
- IT fundamentals - Linux, Security, Databases
- Python programming basics
- AWS services - preparing you to become a certified cloud practitioner
Don't worry if some of these technical skills aren't familiar to you — we'll teach you everything on the programme. To explore if you'll enjoy the course content, we recommend trying out some free online coding courses such as Codeacademy or Freecodecamp.
Behavior & Mindsets
In every job, there are key skills that will help you be successful. We'll help you learn how to:
- Tackle any problem
- Work in a team
- Organise your time
What your journey will look like
- 1
Complete your application
Go through the selection process outlined earlier. - 2
Meet your mentor
If you gain a place, you’ll meet with your mentor before the programme starts to make sure you have all the support you need to achieve your potential. - 3
Start your training
The programme begins! You’ll learn the behaviours, mindsets and technical skills to succeed in the end role.
- 4
Get ready for your job applications
As training progresses, you'll work with the Generation team on your interview technique and creating your personal statement for end employers. - 5
Graduate!
Graduate and celebrate your achievement with your friends and family. - 6
Connect with employers and start in your role
Generation will connect you with employers who have vacancies reserved especially for Generation graduates. We’ll support you to find a role, and then stay in touch as you start in the job.
Ongoing benefits of Generation
A Trusted Network
Continued contact with the Generation graduate network
Events
Events and workshops to help you keep growing
Give Back
Become a mentor to help others
Support
Troubleshoot your job challenges