Drogheda Chamber Skillnet and AWS graduates ready for a career in Cloud

Generation Ireland and M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet proudly announced the successful culmination of their graduation event for graduates of AWS (Amazon Web Services) re/Start, a cohort-based workforce development training programme that prepares individuals for careers in the cloud and connects them to potential employers.

The graduation event, which was held at the AWS offices in Dublin, showcased the remarkable achievements of learners who have overcome barriers to employment through intensive job-specific training and mentorship support.

Funded by M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet under the Skills Connect programme, AWS re/Start has empowered over 30 individuals, offering them training in high-demand AWS cloud skills as well as professional skills training like CV and interview coaching to prepare them for employer meetings and job interviews.

Selected from the Louth, Meath, and wider Leinster area, the trainees represent a diverse cohort poised to make significant contributions to the tech industry and beyond.

Notable speakers at the event included Mark Finlay, Head of AWS Public Sector Ireland, LMFM broadcaster and journalist Ken Murray, representatives from Marsh McLennan, and inspiring narratives from AWS re/ Start alumni Deepika Anand and Tabasum Kouser, who have successfully established thriving careers in the tech industry in Ireland.The event underscored the significance of this collaborative effort in addressing employment challenges and fostering digital skills development in the region.

Speaking ahead of the event Minister Thomas Byrne TD, said: “I want to congratulate the graduates of the AWS re/ Start programme on what they have achieved and wish them every success for the future. The valuable collaboration taking place between Generation, M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, and AWS is to be commended and it is clearly paying dividends for many people in the North East region. By investing in upskilling, we are investing in the future, so I greatly welcome initiatives like AWS re/ Start being made available to people in Louth and Meath.”

Joe Lynch, Manager at M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, welcomed the strategic partnership with Generation Ireland as a catalyst for revolutionising the education-to-employment journey. He commended Generation’s proven methodology in offering pathways to those seeking employment opportunities or skill enhancement, highlighting its tangible benefits for both employers and participants alike.

Ronan Harbison, Executive Director for Generation Ireland, expressed his gratitude for the support from M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, emphasizing the transformative impact of the partnership on the lives of participants. He reiterated the commitment to continued collaboration, ensuring that graduates secure meaningful employment opportunities and contribute to bridging the skills gap in the Irish economy.

Neil Morris, Country Lead at AWS in Ireland added: “AWS is committed to enabling career paths in the next generation of the internet economy, and providing people with access to technical skills and qualifications that allow them to reach their full potential is a key part of our approach. We are proud to honour graduates who have completed the recent AWS re/Start programme in collaboration with M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet and Generation Ireland, and we would like to congratulate them on their achievements. Throughout the programme, we supported participants through AWS Cloud skills training and practical career skills and mentoring which will be key to them applying for varied entry level roles in the cloud industry. I offer my sincere congratulations and wish all the graduates the very best on the next stage of their career journeys.”