CITY OF GLASGOW COLLEGE CELEBRATES AWS RE/START GRADUATES, POWERING SCOTLAND’S DIGITAL FUTURE

On Tuesday, 19 August, City of Glasgow College proudly celebrated the graduation of students from the Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start programme - a cohort-based workforce development training programme that prepares individuals for careers in cloud computing, delivered in partnership with Primed Talent, a specialist organisation that works with employers to develop and place job-ready candidates into high-demand roles.

This collaboration with AWS demonstrates a shared commitment to providing innovative, industry-aligned education that meets the demands of Scotland’s fast-evolving tech sector, supporting the development of digital skills in Glasgow and across Scotland. The programme prepares individuals for careers in cloud computing and connects them to potential employers, helping to address the growing demand for skilled cloud professionals. A technology background is not required to apply, and the programme is free to the learner.

Graduates were joined by employers, industry experts and special guests, including Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee, who delivered the keynote address.

“With 15,600 job openings for tech professionals every year in Scotland, a skilled digital workforce is a key deliverable of the Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform Strategy. Helping people to reskill and acquire digital skills will help Scotland to transition to a digital economy.

“Programmes like AWS re/Start are vital to create new pipelines of talent across the Glasgow City Region. I congratulate the learners on their achievements and look forward to hearing about their new careers in cloud,” said Mr McKee.

Depute Principal & Chief Operating Officer Roy Gardner also addressed the graduates, celebrating their determination and the college’s role in bridging Scotland’s digital skills gap.

“City of Glasgow College is proud to work with industry leaders like AWS to deliver programmes that not only equip learners with sought-after skills but also connect them directly with employers. This is about rapid upskilling and reskilling - providing people from all backgrounds with the opportunity to transform their careers, access high-value jobs, and help build Scotland’s future workforce.”

The AWS re/Start programme is a cohort-based workforce development training programme that prepares individuals for careers in cloud computing and connects them to potential employers. Through coursework and hands-on labs, using real world scenarios, learners can gain the technical skills they need for entry to mid-level cloud roles with a curriculum covering Linux, Python, Networking, Security and AWS core services. 

John Davies, Managing Director UK, Germany & International Organisations Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services said: “We are delighted to have delivered the AWS re/Start programme in Glasgow and support a new cohort of learners to kickstart a career in the cloud. By addressing the growing need for digitally skilled talent, we are preparing the workforce of the future and enabling organisations across Scotland – and beyond – to digitally transform and to take full advantage of the cloud.”

The ceremony was a celebration of the strong partnership between City of Glasgow College and businesses in the Glasgow City Region - working together to create opportunities for the many, not just the few, and empowering people from all backgrounds to thrive in the modern economy. The success of this programme underlines the college’s position as a leading provider of digital training in Scotland, committed to shaping the country’s future technology workforce.