Members of the local community in South Africa will now be able to explore how cloud computing technology is powering everything from weather predictions to smart homes in AWS Skills Center

Amazon web services (AWS) has opened its first international AWS Skills Center in Cape Town, South Africa, with the goal to remove the barriers of access to cloud skills training in the region.

The center will deliver in-person free training for nontechnical learners to help them build new cloud skills and unlock career options for in-demand tech jobs. Any person from the local community can become a trainee, regardless of their background, education level, or social status.

On the launch day, AWS invited local community leaders, education partners, government dignitaries, and job seekers to tour the new facility and explore the impact and potential of the cloud technology. Premier of Western Cape Alan Winde, Provincial Minister Mireille Wenger and MMC James Vos visited the grand opening ceremony to acknowledge the value this new center brings to the development of skilled local talent.

“AWS is committed to removing barriers for people to access the skills training they need to grow their careers,” said Maureen Lonergan, Vice President, AWS Training and Certification. “The Cape Town region is ripe with talent, and upskilling the workforce can play a key role in driving innovation, catalyzing economic growth, and accelerating digital transformation across South Africa.”

According to the company’s data, AWS has trained more than 100,000 people in South Africa on cloud skills via both free and paid training since 2017.

AWS has also recently launched AWS Build – a new global program aimed to support entrepreneurs at early business stages to build, refine, and launch their innovative applications.