Swinburne launches cloud technologies degree to prepare students for in-demand careers

Swinburne, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), has developed a first of its kind cloud degree to help prepare students for in-demand jobs in cloud computing.

According to LinkedIn, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and scientific computing are among the top hard skills valued by the workforce in 2020.

The Associate Degree of Applied Technologies – Cloud Technologies was developed with AWS Educate; Amazon’s global initiative to provide students and educators with resources for building skills in cloud technology. AWS Educate worked with Swinburne to align its academic program to entry-level job requirements by embedding cloud computing-specific content into the program.

This degree is part of Swinburne’s suite of Industry 4.0 courses that focus on delivering skills of the future, in practical, real-world workplace learning environments.

Applying cloud skills in real-world projects

The Associate Degree of Applied Technologies – Cloud Technologies is a two-year, full-time course delivered by Swinburne’s Pathways and Vocational Education (PAVE). The course is focused on in-demand cloud technology skills in a broad range of emerging areas and combines workplace learning and coursework requirements to give students hands-on experience applying cloud skills in real-world projects with industry partners.

During the course, students will have access to in-person teaching and online materials including the latest AWS cloud computing-related training resources, and are allowed to take part in the Swinburne Data for Social Good Cloud Innovation Centre (CIC) program powered by AWS as a Capstone unit. Students will participate in a ‘Data for Social Good’ CIC challenge with AWS, utilising Amazon’s ‘Working Backwards’ methodology for a Public Sector challenge.

Graduates of the course will be skilled in cloud services programming, app building, data management, and analysis. They will also be eligible to participate in a selection of AWS Academy certification programs like Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect (Associate) certifications.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (PAVE) Lisa Line says this type of course delivery is just another way Swinburne is ensuring all students graduate work-ready.

“We are very excited to offer Australia’s first cloud degree using AWS Educate Cloud Program Verification. The Associate Degree of Applied Technologies – Cloud Technologies is an excellent example of how Swinburne is embedding industry know-how into all its vocational and higher education teaching,” says Ms Line.

Leading the way in Industry 4.0

Swinburne is at the forefront of Industry 4.0 and leading the way in advanced digitalisation capabilities including industrial automation, Internet of Things, big data and AI, smart sensors, autonomous systems, and new-generation processes and materials.

“Swinburne is a future-facing university, working with industry to co-create new technologies and to prepare our students for the future of work,” says Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), Professor Bronwyn Fox.

“In collaboration with AWS, we are working to develop courses that meet the needs of future industry. Cloud computing services are growing rapidly and this new model for the Associate Degree will prepare Swinburne students for the high demand for cloud jobs,” says Professor Fox.

Using cloud technologies and data for social good

In 2019, Swinburne launched its Data for Social Good Cloud Innovation Centre (CIC), powered by AWS.

The centre was the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and aims to use innovative cloud technologies and intelligent data analytics to solve real-world health, wellbeing, and social challenges affecting Australians. Students participating in the Associate Degree of Applied Technologies – Cloud Technologies will undertake a CIC Challenge as part of the course.

The collaboration is set to bring more opportunities, as AWS and Swinburne work together on a range of initiatives.

Iain Rouse, Country Director for AWS’s Public Sector in Australia and New Zealand says, “AWS’s collaboration with Swinburne enables us to invest in local talent by giving the students the best possible headstart to their career in cloud computing. Cloud skills are in higher demand than ever before, and it is our mission to equip the future workforce with the latest cloud competence to support the digital transformation of businesses and government organisations.”