Suncorp launches cloud training program for women

Insurer Suncorp Group and Amazon Web Services are helping to address Australia’s technology skills shortage, as well as the persistent gender imbalance in the sector, through a new in-house training program.

Suncorp has agreed to implement the AWS CloudUp for Her Cloud Practitioner training program, designed to help women learn the basics of cloud computing.

The eight-week program will have no technical or IT experience requirements to join. Participants will receive a standalone certification at the end of the program that will enable them to demonstrate cloud awareness. The program can also be used as an entry point for deeper technical certifications.

Suncorp is launching the program with a series of in-person events at major capital cities, with more than 50% of participants to be chosen from Queensland in recognition of the state’s potential of becoming Australia’s next technology powerhouse.

Suncorp CIO Adam Bennet said the program seeks to break down technical barriers to entry for careers in technology.

“We are blown away by the response, which has seen 1 in 12 of our female employees put their hand up to take part in the first cohort. Even more impressive is that around 70% come from non-technology roles as our people look to build basic cloud knowledge, futureproof their skills and potentially create new career pathways,” he said.

“We recognise our talent is our competitive advantage, so this is not only an investment in them and their careers, but helping shape our workforce of the future.”

AWS has been supporting Suncorp’s cloud migration for a decade. Suncorp has committed to exit owned or leased data centres by early 2024 as part of this migration strategy.

Image credit: iStock.com/Fahmi Ruddin Hidayat