Amazon Web Services Simplifies AWS Partner Training Program

‘We think that this is going to really address the needs of our customers in the best way possible,’ AWS channel chief Doug Yeum says. ‘This is also going to allow our partners to continue to grow their business with AWS around training and certification.’

Amazon Web Services is revamping its AWS Partner Training Program to make it easier for customers to engage with one partner for all their training needs.

AWS Partner Network Training Partners (ATPs) now are able to offer, deliver and/or resell both AWS Classroom Training and AWS Digital Training.

Under AWS’ previous training program structure, three pieces were operating separately. ATPs were authorized to deliver in-classroom and virtual classroom training leveraging AWS training courses via AWS Authorized Instructors. Digital training partners such as Pluralsight leveraged AWS content that they offered on their training platform. And resellers resold training to their customers that was delivered by other AWS trainers.

AWS Training and Certification simplified the program, combining the three offerings into one, in response to customer feedback about how they want to engage partners to receive training, according to AWS channel chief Doug Yeum. Customers often choose multiple delivery options to meet their training needs, which can result in a challenging purchase process, according to AWS, and customers need partners that understand their unique purchasing requirements.

“One of the things that we’ve heard…is that instead of having to go to a partner for in-classroom and virtual classroom training, and going to a different partner for digital training or having another partner coming in reselling AWS training, could we simplify how our customers engage these different partners or (enable them) to receive the different types of training that they want...from a single partner, if they wanted to do so,” said Yeum, head of AWS’ worldwide channels and alliances. “We think that this is going to really address the needs of our customers in the best way possible.”

All existing AWS Training Partners will be automatically aligned to the new program and will continue to benefit from access to all existing resources. Other AWS partners can apply to join the program based on eligibility, with requirements found on AWS Partner Central.

The revamped program will give AWS Training Partners choice and flexibility when it comes to indirect and direct content delivery and the formats of AWS training. It also will help them continue to grow their AWS business around training and certification. In the past, Yeum said, systems integrators such as Accenture and Deloitte found it harder to resell and deliver training.

AWS will validate the training partners in two tiers — AWS Advanced - Training and AWS Select - Training — each of which has its own set of requirements based on the skillsets of a partner’s employees, scope and business model.

“Based on what tier you are in, you get different levels of benefits from AWS to expand your business related to training and certification,” Yeum said.

Those benefits include opportunity sharing, co-marketing support, enhanced enablement and a simplified route for validated training partners to work with AWS.

Tech Data’s ExitCertified, a Sacramento, Calif.-based provider of IT training and certification, qualified for AWS Advanced - Training Partner status.

“This new advanced status will deepen the collaborative relationship we have with AWS in partner management, marketing and customer success,” said Mark McCreath, Tech Data’s vice president of education and training solutions. “With this Advanced ATP status, our customers know they’ll receive a high-quality, end-to-end customer experience — including learning needs analysis, official training content delivered by an AWS Authorized Instructor and preparation assistance for AWS certification exams.”

AWS partner QA Ltd., a London-based company that delivers training, apprenticeships and technology skills, welcomed the chance to deliver multiple training options and the new program’s increased marketing support.

“With organizations across the UK under pressure to attract, retain and build cloud talent, it’s more important than ever that the AWS community has streamlined access to the very latest AWS training, and that ATPs offer training in a range of modalities that maximizes learning opportunities,” said Stuart Martin, QA’s managing director. “The increased investment in resources, including marketing development funds and dedicated partner management, will make it even easier for employers and individuals alike to source the very best cloud skills needed to deliver the ambitious digital transformation projects that will fuel the UK’s recovery from the global pandemic.”

Altron People Solutions (APS), a Johannesburg, South Africa-based provider of AWS Classroom Training and customer events in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, plans to expand its offerings through resellers. It also earned AWS Advanced - Training Partner status.

“The new AWS Training Partner Program will allow us to take our AWS instructor-led courses and digital courses to market as a seamless solution with multiple AWS training modalities, and ties into the new strategy of the APS learning solutions division to digitally transform our offerings,” said Pieter Nel, business unit executive of the company’s learning solutions. “We can also further our sales reach through partnering with selected resellers that complement the Altron People Solutions values.”