Amazon is expanding its free training initiative to include artificial intelligence (AI), now offering over 100 free courses.
This decision aligns with a trend among major tech companies offering AI-focused training programs. Historically, software publishers have used free training to promote product adoption, increase usage, and enhance their positive reputation. Amazon is following this path by launching new courses for Amazon Q, a generative AI assistant aimed at developers and professionals.
Since 2020, Amazon has committed to training 29 million people worldwide in cloud and AWS skills, reaching 21 million people by last fall. The offering includes more than 600 free courses via AWS Skill Builder, with over 100 resources dedicated to AI and machine learning, including hands-on labs, exam preparations, and other accessible or low-cost learning tools.
Recently, Amazon launched AI Ready, a separate program in November, focused on AI, machine learning, and generative AI, with the goal of training at least two million people for free by 2025. "We hope to reach even higher numbers," said Jenni Troutman, Head of Products and Services at AWS Training and Certification.
Simultaneously, Amazon continues to expand its training offerings, notably with Amazon Q, offering courses such as "Getting Started for Amazon Q Developers" and "Generative BI with Amazon Q in Quicksight."
However, Amazon operates in a competitive field for free training, especially in AI. In April, a consortium including Cisco, Google, IBM, Microsoft, SAP, and others was created to upskill and reskill 100 million workers whose jobs might be influenced by AI. Tim Herbert of CompTIA points out that despite the growth in skill development options, it can be challenging to determine which training is best suited for employers and employees.
Amazon plans to add more free courses to its offering, focusing on existing products as well as new technologies such as generative AI services, according to Jenni Troutman.
Source: TechTarget
