Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne in Montreal has announced a new Cloud Solutions Specialist program in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce for cloud solutions design, deployment, and management in Quebec. This program will lead to a College Studies Attestation (AEC) recognized by Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education.
The global cloud services market is projected to exceed $800 billion USD by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 8.42% expected by 2029, according to MarketsandMarkets. Additionally, the AWS Global Digital Skills Report indicates that 6.5 million Canadian workers required training in 2024 to keep up with technological advancements.
Simon Delamarre, Director of Continuing Education and Business Services at Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, stated: “Cloud Solutions Specialist addresses a critical industry need, given the exponential growth of cloud computing and the increasing demand for qualified professionals in the field.” He added that the college is “thrilled to collaborate with AWS to create a diverse pool of new cloud talent.”
The program targets underrepresented groups such as women, unemployed individuals, Indigenous people, and immigrants. It is supported by Services Québec de Montréal and a planned financial contribution from the Government of Quebec totaling approximately $585,000 for its first two cohorts.
Réjean Bourgault, Country Manager at AWS Canada, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “AWS re/Start injects new talent into our workforce pool… thanks to the teaching expertise and enhanced curriculum offered by Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne.”
The curriculum includes advanced technical skills such as network infrastructure and storage solutions, data exploitation, security governance in a cloud environment, implementation of cloud computing services, quality assurance techniques, AI fundamentals, machine learning managed services modules, and more. A two-month paid internship is also part of the program.
Manon Yelle from AWS Canada highlighted that nearly 90% of Canadian companies plan to hire for positions requiring generative artificial intelligence skills. The program will address strategic aspects related to adopting or migrating to cloud solutions.
The first cohort will begin in fall 2025 with another session planned for winter 2026. The government’s financial participation ensures free enrollment for students.
Additionally, Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne Foundation plans to raise $50,000 through scholarships supported by AWS Canada. The first scholarships are set to be awarded in fall 2025.
For more information on the Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne Cloud Solutions Specialist program.
