A Manchester mum who used free cloud computing training to launch a new career is calling on people in the city to consider following in her footsteps into a career in tech.

Manchester’s Xanthe Sharp took part in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start programme after wanting to rejoin the workforce following a period without paid work. Today, Xanthe is a business analyst at Modular Data, thanks to a boost from the free training programme that got her into the industry. She is sharing her story to inspire others who are thinking about upskilling for a new career path.

AWS is tackling the digital skills gap and creating career opportunities through its AWS re/Start programme, a free 12-week training initiative aimed at people from non-technical backgrounds who are seeking careers in cloud computing. Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources via the internet, with pay-as-you-go pricing. It’s the technology that powers many of the digital services we use every day – from streaming your favourite shows on Netflix, to storing photos online, managing your online banking, or using social media apps. Instead of storing everything on your own computer or phone, cloud computing allows you to access these services and store your data securely over the internet.

Through AWS re/Start, AWS is providing essential cloud computing training to individuals who may not have access to traditional tech education. Xanthe is one such success story.

Before transitioning to a career in tech, Xanthe was a stay-at-home mum. She’d had several jobs previously, including positions as a beauty therapist and city council support worker for the elderly, but had never found the right career. Although she enjoyed being at home with her children, Xanthe knew she would eventually rejoin the workforce as they grew up – she just wasn’t sure how.

With this future job-seeking on her mind, Xanthe took courses throughout her nine years working at home and gained qualifications that would help her figure out her next career move. These included accountancy and coding.

Xanthe said: “I’d always seen ads about getting into tech and started to think that it was something I could do. I kept an eye on the government skills page to find courses I could engage with to get me through the door, and came across the AWS re/Start programme. It seemed like a good training opportunity, particularly because I was open-minded about the specific area of tech that I would be in, and I knew I liked coding after doing a different online course.

“The programme gave me a nice new routine that felt like being at work. I’m an introvert, so working remotely on the programme suited me, and it eased me into having work outside the home to balance alongside parenting. Doing the programme also got my husband used to me working again, so we were able to manage home life with both of our workplace schedules.”

“I was particularly keen to have career support as I re-entered the workforce,” said Xanthe. “The group work we had to do over the 12 weeks on the programme was one way I got that. Although it was intimidating at first, being given a brief to work on independently with my peers on the course gave me a taste of what a real workplace would feel like. And I surprised myself with how much I loved presenting our findings! This boosted my confidence that I was on the right path to get to a career that I could enjoy.”

Xanthe completed the AWS re/Start programme and applied for an apprenticeship at Modular Data. She got the job and was surprised to find that other employers were contacting her with similar opportunities.

“I thought I was unemployable before I did the programme,” shared Xanthe. “But then suddenly people were offering me jobs I hadn’t even considered. I was so pleased to be accepted onto the apprenticeship at Modular Data as it’s a great employer that’s supported me through my learning.

“I completed my apprenticeship with the company in January and am now a full-time, permanent member of the team. I credit my success in my role to doing the AWS re/Start programme, applying for the apprenticeship and supplementing my learning with self-directed study that made me stand out and gave me skills that employers like Modular Data value.

“If you’re considering a career move like mine, go for it; you really have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.”

AWS has trained more than 3.3 million people across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa on cloud skills since 2017, and the programme has expanded to more than 270 cities across 70 countries globally.

According to research from Strand Partners[1], nearly half (46%) of UK businesses see an opportunity to grow by strengthening digital skills, as current gaps have slowed their progress. In addition, 41% report challenges in hiring people with the necessary digital skills. Additional research[2] from consultancy Public First shows that over half (57%) of UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the North West currently utilise cloud computing.

Laura Addison, AWS re/Start programme manager for UKI and Nordics, added:

“AWS re/Start is a pathway to new opportunities and a brighter future for individuals from all backgrounds. We’re proud to see so many participants, like Xanthe, successfully move into rewarding tech careers thanks to taking part in the programme.

“The digital skills gap is a challenge for businesses and the economy, and through initiatives like AWS re/Start, we are not only equipping people with the tools they need to succeed but also helping drive economic growth and innovation across the UK and beyond.”

AWS re/Start was first piloted in the UK in 2017 as a way of building an inclusive, diverse global pipeline of new cloud talent and engaging individuals who otherwise may not have had access to this career path.

AWS re/Start is just one of several AWS initiatives helping people develop in-demand technology skills. Other programmes include AWS Academy, which provides higher education institutions with a free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum that prepares students to pursue industry-recognised certifications and in-demand cloud jobs. AWS Educate, a programme where learners as young as 13 years old can access an extensive library of free, self-paced online training that covers a range of topics – from cloud fundamentals to innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and more.

As the UK economy continues to evolve, AWS is investing in upskilling initiatives to ensure businesses and workers can keep pace with digital transformation. Through AWS re/Start and other programmes, AWS is building a more inclusive, skilled, and AI-ready workforce for the future.