Introduction
Following the remarkable success of last October’s Get Cloud Certified programme, the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) is pleased to announce the return of the programme, now featuring an expanded range of innovative training opportunities with a range of different cloud providers.
Eligibility
We’re aiming for over 90% of digital, data and technology professionals to undertake related training at least once a year. This programme is open to anyone with a public sector email address (such as gov.uk, gov.scot, gov.wales, nhs.uk, police.uk).
The Programmes
Following this, we have officially launched two of our Cloud training programmes beginning in September: CDDO & AWS Solutions Architect Pro Bootcamp and CDDO/AWS CloudUp For Her Practitioner programme. These programmes are both being launched at maximum capacity, with all 25 spaces being filled for Solutions Architect, and with over 400 registered participants for CloudUp for Her. In addition the Microsoft TechHer For Government has received over 5000 expressions of interest, and will launch in October. However, if you missed these programmes, don't worry! At CDDO, we will be launching a year round initiative to encourage your participation in cloud training and certification programmes across a range of different providers.
This year, we are extending the “Get Cloud Certified this October” initiative run last year, to cover the entire Autumn season, providing more participants the chance to get involved. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge of cloud, enhance your skills, or are considering a role in cloud, our comprehensive training programmes provide an excellent opportunity to master the fundamentals of cloud. These programs also provide flexibility, and can be done at your own pace.
This will be an exciting season for those in the UK public sector to learn and achieve a Cloud certification as CDDO has secured free or discounted training, support classes and exam vouchers. And if you are already Cloud certified, why not aim for the next level of certification, or learn about services from a different cloud provider?
We have dedicated listings for each Cloud provider detailing training and events that are running this Autumn to help you learn, as well as show you how to access free or discounted exam vouchers. You might also have additional training available through existing learning and development arrangements your organisation already has in place with third party training providers - so do search your existing intranet to see if you have access to year-round Cloud training or a Digital Academy in your organisation!
Testimony from Jade Gallagher
What motivated you to pursue cloud certification, and how did it influence your decision to switch your career/line of work?
I moved from the electronics industry and joined the Civil Service in 2022 as an IT Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager. I was concerned that my IT knowledge was limited to Excel and rebooting computers! But I worked with incredible colleagues and partners alike, all who are inspired by digital innovation and skills to build up better.
I sit in a commercial team so a key driver for me pursuing cloud certification was the desire to be able to speak the same language as my stakeholders. Cloud is broad and a fantastic place to start if you are interested in increasing your digital knowledge.
Can you describe how cloud training helped you to gain the relevant skills and knowledge for your new career?
I’ve now completed, and am certified, at Practitioner Level. The course and content has elevated my overall knowledge of Cloud and has been absolutely instrumental in terms of setting me up for my new role in the Cabinet Office (Strategic Partnering Manager – Digital).
To be able to talk in the same language as key stakeholders is helping me identify opportunities to keep adding value to departments which is a core aspect of my role. I’m now also, proudly, part of the One Government Cloud Strategy (OGCS) Team, a cross-government working group designed to reduce risk and deliver value in the Cloud space.
The OGCS team will be delivering a calendar of Cloud Knowledge Drops (or OGCS Bytes sessions). These tackle some of the wider challenges of Cloud in public sector so if you would like to be on the mailing list email us at OGCS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
What was your experience during the training?
I was fortunate to be part of a cohort of amazing Civil Servants all learning the same content but at different speeds. There’s a significant number of free resources and content out there to support on your learning journey so remember, it isn’t a race! During my training I had colleagues who I could lean on who were slightly ahead on modules whilst providing feedback and answers to those slightly behind.
Everyone’s journey will look slightly differently based on your drivers and motivation. It can be easy to be overwhelmed whilst trying to understand new concepts but take a breath, re-read and dig a little deeper.
What advice would you give to someone considering signing up for the cloud certification programmes?
There’s something to interest everyone regardless of your technical background. Cloud is a short word but encapsulates such a variety of concepts and specialisms, from Cyber Security to DevOps.
If your natural position isn’t a tech one, do not be disheartened the first time you learn about “virtual machines” and “instances”! Take your time and, where possible, investigate your new vocabulary further. This will help the overall depth of knowledge and will make your learning journey much easier.
Want to know more?
To learn more about the training programmes being offered to you at CDDO, please follow the registering links from the providers below:
Cloud Providers participation in CDDO Get Cloud Certified this Autumn
2 comments
Comment by M.A. posted on
I can’t see any Google Cloud-related data here. Is there any Google Cloud training available? Also, are there any exam vouchers available for Google Cloud Certification?
Comment by bobkamall posted on
Thank you for your comment about Google Cloud training. There is a link in the blog - in the section headed 'Want to know to more?' near the end of the article - to each of the vendors that are supporting this initiative, including a link to Google Innovators (https://cloud.google.com/innovators) learning portal. We are currently working with Google to create a more bespoke landing page for Get Cloud Certified, and will update the link once available.