AWS re/Start North West
Are you between 19 and 24, currently not in education, employment or training, and wondering what comes next?
AWS re/Start could be the turning point. This free, full-time 12-week programme, delivered in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) gives you the technical skills, professional confidence, and industry-recognised certification you need to step into a cloud computing career. No experience in tech is needed. Just you, your commitment, and 12 weeks.
You’ll Gain:
- Practical, hands-on AWS Cloud skills — Linux, Python, networking, security, and databases
- Real-world experience through lab exercises on the live AWS platform
- Preparation for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam (voucher included)
- An introduction to Machine Learning and Generative AI — some of the most in-demand skills in tech today
- Two Capstone Projects — your chance to build and present real cloud solutions that you can show to employers
- CV writing support, interview preparation, and professional skills coaching
- Direct connections to North West employers who are actively hiring AWS-trained graduates
- An AWS re/Start Digital Badge (via Credly) to showcase on LinkedIn and your CV
AWS re/Start North West runs as a hybrid programme, primarily delivered online, with a small number of in-person sessions included throughout the 12 weeks. This means you can access world-class AWS training from home, while still benefiting from face-to-face learning and peer connection where it matters most.
Schedule Details:
- Start Date: 13th April 2026
- End Date: Approximately 3rd July 2026 (subject to bank holidays)
- Days: Monday – Friday, full time
- Mode: Primarily virtual (online), with scheduled in-person sessions
How We Deliver:
- Instructor-led live sessions delivered online via video conferencing
- Hands-on technical labs completed on the AWS platform
- Scheduled in-person sessions for key milestones and practical activities
- Scenario-based group exercises reflecting real workplace challenges
- Professional skills workshops — communication, teamwork, problem solving
- Two structured Capstone Projects — mid-programme and end-programme challenges
- Employer engagement events and alumni speaker sessions
- Dedicated learner support throughout the programme
Weeks 1–4: Core Technical Foundations
Week 1 — Cloud Foundations & Linux
Getting started with cloud computing, understanding AWS services, the AWS Shared Responsibility Model, and an introduction to the Linux operating system and command line.
Week 2 — Linux & Networking
Deepening Linux skills — file management, bash scripting, process management — alongside networking fundamentals: IP addressing, protocols, and AWS Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).
Week 3 — Networking, Security & Introduction to Python
Network hardening, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), data security, AWS CloudTrail, and the very first steps into Python programming.
Week 4 — Python Programming
Flow control, functions, debugging, version control with Git, and an introduction to DevOps principles and automation.
Weeks 5–8: AWS Architecture & Cloud Operations
Week 5 — Databases & AWS Architecture
SQL fundamentals, relational and non-relational databases, Amazon RDS, Amazon DynamoDB, and the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
Week 6 — Servers, Scaling & Automation
The AWS CLI, Systems Manager, Amazon EC2, Auto Scaling, Elastic Load Balancing, Amazon Route 53, and static website hosting on S3.
Week 7 — Serverless, Containers, Networking & Storage
AWS Lambda, API Gateway, containers on AWS, Amazon Aurora, VPC connectivity, Amazon S3, Elastic Block Store (EBS), and Elastic File System (EFS).
Week 8 — Monitoring, Security & Infrastructure as Code
Amazon CloudWatch, AWS CloudTrail, CloudFormation, tagging, cost management, AWS Organizations, and automated deployments.
Weeks 9–12: Advanced Skills, AI & Certification
Week 9 — Advanced Security
AWS Security Fundamentals, deep dive into IAM, Amazon GuardDuty, AWS Security Hub, Amazon Inspector, AWS Control Tower, and threat modelling.
Week 10 — Migration & Containers
AWS Migration Hub, Amazon ECS, Amazon EKS, AWS Glue, Amazon Athena, and data migration services.
Week 11 — Machine Learning & Generative AI
Amazon SageMaker, Amazon Bedrock, Foundations of Prompt Engineering, Generative AI applications, Responsible AI practices, and AI use cases.
Week 12 — Certification Preparation & Exam
Full AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam preparation, knowledge checks across all topics, review sessions, and exam day.
CAPSTONE PROJECT 1 — Mid-Programme (End of Week 6)
Team-based | Applied Cloud Challenge
Learners take on a real-world cloud challenge that draws on everything covered in the first half of the programme — Linux, Python scripting, networking, security, and core AWS services. Teams design a cloud-based solution, divide responsibilities, present their approach, and defend their technical decisions. This project is where classroom learning becomes professional practice.
Skills developed: Teamwork, communication, problem solving, technical application, presentation skills
CAPSTONE PROJECT 2 — End of Programme (Week 11)
Team-based | Full-Stack Cloud Solution
The final Capstone Project is the centrepiece of the AWS re/Start journey. Teams design, build, and present a comprehensive cloud-based solution using the full breadth of AWS services and skills developed throughout the programme — incorporating architecture best practices, security, automation, and where appropriate, machine learning capabilities. Employer representatives may be invited to attend final presentations, giving learners a live opportunity to impress potential hirers with their work.
Skills developed: Advanced technical application, solution architecture, leadership, stakeholder presentation, resilience
To be eligible for AWS re/Start – North West, you must:
- Be aged 19 to 24 at the start of the programme (13th April 2026)
- Be currently not in education, employment or training (NEET)
- Be a resident of North West England
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Be available full time, Monday to Friday for the full 12-week programme
- Have no prior experience in cloud or technology — this programme is built for beginners
- Be motivated and ready to commit to building a new career in cloud computing
Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to help.
On completing the programme, you will be fully prepared to sit the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam — one of the most widely recognised entry-level cloud credentials in the world. Your exam fee voucher is included as part of the programme at no cost to you.
Graduates also receive an AWS re/Start Digital Badge issued via Credly, which can be added to LinkedIn profiles and CVs to showcase your achievement to potential employers.
What the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Covers:
- Core AWS Cloud concepts, global infrastructure, and key services
- Cloud security, identity and access management
- Cloud economics, billing models, and support options
- Compute, storage, networking, and database fundamentals
- The AWS Shared Responsibility Model
After You Graduate:
- IN4 Group will connect you with North West employers who are actively hiring AWS-trained graduates
- Access AWS post-graduate resources — hands-on labs, webinars, workshops, and live Q&A sessions with AWS subject matter experts, free of charge
- Build towards advanced AWS certifications: Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps Administrator
- Stay connected through the AWS re/Start alumni network and peer community
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions: studentrecruitment@in4group.co.uk.
