Leveraging Data-Driven Innovation Using The Cloud

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Access to good data is no longer a business luxury; it’s a necessity. Organisations across industries are increasingly leveraging data to speed up decision-making, streamline operations, and drive innovation.

Data-driven innovation means using data to inform and inspire growth — in ideas, products, services, and processes. This approach is transforming industries, from healthcare to finance to retail. By analysing vast amounts of data, companies can uncover trends, predict future behaviours, and make informed decisions that drive progress.

There are many benefits to a data-driven approach: enhanced decision-making, improved efficiency —and ultimately, a significant competitive edge. But, it’s not quite as simple as hitting ‘go’ on data: good data is underpinned by good tech.

Cloud empowers data-driven innovation

To that end, it’s easy to see why cloud computing is key to data-driven innovation. It provides the infrastructure for storing, processing, and analysing vast amounts of data efficiently —and cost-effectively. Cloud platforms offer scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, making it ideal for data-driven initiatives.

How to get started with a data-driven approach

Transition to a data-driven approach in a few key steps:

1. Build a data-centric culture

Organisations need to build a data-centric culture where data-driven decision-making is the norm, and employees at all levels to value and utilise data in their daily tasks. Leaders should promote transparency and data sharing, ensuring that everyone understands the importance of data in driving business success.

2. Assess your current data capabilities

It’s a good idea to conduct a comprehensive audit to identify gaps and areas for improvement in your company’s current data capabilities. This helps in developing a roadmap, seeing where you could increase focus, and ensures that the organisation is prepared to leverage data effectively.

3. Develop a data strategy

A well-defined data strategy is crucial. This strategy should outline clear objectives and limitations for data usage that align with the organisation’s overall goals. It should address key areas such as data collection, storage, analysis, and governance.

4. Invest in the right tools and technologies

Choosing the appropriate cloud platforms, analytics tools, and machine learning frameworks is essential for effective data utilisation. Organisations should prioritise investment in cloud solutions that are scalable, flexible, and capable of integrating with existing systems. The right tools enable seamless data processing, analysis, and collaboration, driving innovation across the business.

5. Prioritise data governance

Establishing policies and practices for data management, privacy, and security is critical for maintaining data integrity and compliance with regulations. This involves defining roles and responsibilities, setting data standards, and implementing security measures to protect sensitive information.

6. The most important step? Train your team

As a cloud training provider, we understand the importance of cloud training in empowering data-driven strategies. By equipping professionals with the skills to use cloud technologies, we enable organisations to maximise their data’s potential. Cloud training encompasses a range of skills, from data management to analytics to machine learning, all of which are crucial for data-driven innovation.

Encouraging employees to participate in ongoing training and certification programs can keep the workforce up-to-date with the latest cloud advancements, fostering a culture of continuous improvement —and innovation.

Ready to put your data to work? Start with training your team.

Data-driven innovation is transforming industries —and cloud training plays a key role in this journey. By fostering a data-centric culture, investing in the right tools, and equipping professionals with cloud skills, organisations can accelerate their innovation efforts.

The future belongs to those who can effectively put data to work, and cloud training is the key to unlocking this potential.

AWS and Microsoft Azure Data courses

Both major cloud providers have excellent courses to help you upskill in data.

With AWS, there are a series of 4 x 1-day courses that will enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of AWS data services and how to leverage them for effective data management and analytics:

If you are looking for a data certification with AWS, the one to aim for is the AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate.

With Azure, the best option is jump right in to the data fundamentals course:

If you are seeking a data certification with Azure, there is the Azure Data Engineer Associate for data engineers who manage and secure data using a range of Azure data services, or if you manage data ingestion, preparation, model training, deployment, and machine learning solution monitoring, then you would be looking for the Azure Data Scientist Associate certification.

Ready to accelerate your data-driven innovation journey? If you would like to talk to Bespoke about creating a learning plan to achieve your data certification just reach out to us.

Mastering Machine Learning: The Path to Certification Success

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Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a transformative technology driving innovation across industries.

From personalised recommendations on streaming platforms to predictive maintenance in manufacturing, ML applications are limitless —and its popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years.

Businesses are increasingly leveraging ML to gain actionable insights from data, automate processes, and enhance decision-making capabilities. As the demand for ML expertise grows, earning certifications like AWS Machine Learning Specialty becomes pivotal for professionals aiming to demonstrate proficiency and advance their careers in a rapidly evolving field.

What is the AWS ML Certification?

The AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification is designed to validate an individuals’ ability to design, implement, deploy, and maintain machine learning solutions on the AWS platform. Recognised globally, this certification signifies mastery in leveraging AWS services for ML.

It helps make candidates stand out in a competitive job market, and gives businesses provable in-house skills in an area of technology that is growing in demand. It not only aims to validate technical skills, but also enhances credibility by demonstrating practical experience and proficiency in AWS ML technologies.

Why Get Certified?

Getting certified in AWS Machine Learning offers several benefits for both employees and companies alike:

  • Global recognition: Widely recognised in the industry, the certification enhances career prospects globally
  • Provable expertise: Companies can feel confident in their team’s capabilities in designing and implementing ML solutions using AWS services
  • Credibility: Adds credibility to your team’s experience and expertise, making you a trusted professional in ML technologies.

Before you get started

It’s important to think about the fundamentals —and have a baseline knowledge of AWS before you start looking at ML certification. This could be AWS developer skill sets, an understanding of statistics and probability.

When first starting out, your best bet is to kick off with our AWS Technical Essentials training. The more you know about the AWS environment, the better to set you up for success in the ML speciality.

From here, you can build on your background knowledge with courses like Practical Data Science with Amazon SageMaker, to continue your learning in the AWS landscape and set you on your way to being a capable ML Engineer.

To learn more about pathways designed to boost your ML knowledge check out this blog.

So, what’s the exam like?

The exam runs for about 3 hours and assesses students on both practical and theoretical applications of ML in an AWS context. It will cover a range of topics, from engineering to security, using a range of question types.

Our top tips to prepare for your exam

1. Know what you need to study

Preparing for the AWS Machine Learning Specialty exam requires a thorough understanding of the exam guide and focus areas outlined by AWS. The AWS Machine Learning certification is largely broken down into a few key domains:

  • Data Engineering: designing and implementing data storage solutions to help with efficient data processing
  • Exploratory Data Analysis: Analysing and visualising data to output actionable insights to inform decision-making
  • Modelling: Building, optimising, and deploying machine learning models using AWS services
  • Machine Learning Implementation and Operations: Implementing and managing ML solutions on AWS, and best practices to ensure performance and operational efficiency

AWS has a detailed exam guide that outlines the topics covered in more depth. By knowing what you need to learn, you’ll be able to head straight into step number two.

2. Make a study plan and put together a learning pathway

A structured study plan will help you cover every topic required with enough depth to really understand the concepts. Allocate sufficient time for each area in the lead up to your exam —avoid cramming, and try to really understand the topics. Breaking down your study sessions into manageable chunks allows you to delve deep into each topic, reinforcing your understanding and proficiency in AWS ML services.

Consider using a training partner like Bespoke Training to help you create a structured learning path. From AWS basics through to ML specialities, Bespoke offers training programs designed specifically to prepare candidates for AWS certifications. Access expert-led courses, hands-on practice, and supplementary materials that enhance your understanding of AWS and ML services as a whole.

3. Take a Practice Exam

Another great tool in preparation for the certification exam is the practice exam. For an additional fee you’re able to sit a test prior to the real exam and get feedback on your result and performance. These simulated tests mimic the actual exam environment and help you assess your knowledge and readiness.

By identifying areas that require further study and practice, practice exams enable you to focus your efforts effectively and optimise your preparation time —and show you where you might need to bolster your efforts.

An extra tip? Get a little help from Bespoke Training

While there are free resources available to help you prepare for the exam, the proven best way to study for a certification exam is through instructor led training. Get access to experts in the field, practice resources and extra support through tricky concepts —so you’ll feel confident and fully prepared for whatever the exam throws at you.

Take the first step toward advancing your career in machine learning—start preparing for the AWS Machine Learning Specialty certification today.

For further insights and personalised training options, explore Bespoke’s AWS courses to find those that fit your learning path or get in touch with our team today to find the right learning path for you!

Why Cloud Training is Essential for Non-Technical Teams

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Cloud technology is no longer just the domain of IT departments.

As cloud solutions become integral to day-to-day business operations, it’s increasingly crucial for non-technical roles to understand and feel confident in leveraging these technologies. Whether it’s driving business transformations, addressing security concerns, or fostering personal and professional growth, there’s no doubt about it: cloud training for non-technical staff is a strategic investment.

Why Is It Important?

The cloud is at the heart of many business transformations. Understanding cloud technologies allows non-technical teams to support these changes effectively.

From streamlining marketing operations to enhancing customer experiences, cloud literacy can empower every department to contribute more meaningfully to the organisation’s goals: it’s a big booster to productivity. What’s more, a foundational knowledge of cloud computing helps bridge gaps between departments, leading to more cohesive and effective teams.

Investing in cloud training for your staff can also help to reduce security risks. In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are prevalent (and ever growing), having a basic understanding of cloud security is essential for all employees. Non-technical staff who are knowledgeable about cloud security can better adhere to best practices, identify potential risks, and contribute to the overall security posture of the organisation.

From the employee perspective, cloud training offers personal and professional development opportunities. For non-technical staff, acquiring cloud skills can open doors to new roles, career progression, and even complete career changes. Cross-functional skill development ensures that employees have versatility, stay engaged and are prepared for future challenges.

What roles need to know about cloud?

At the end of the day, knowing about cloud computing and having a good foundational knowledge is useful for anyone, in any role. But, if we’re going to pinpoint a few non-technical roles that can really benefit from technical training, let’s take a look at the top roles that can use cloud training to enhance their performance:

Analysts and Consultants

Analysts and consultants benefit from understanding cloud technology to enhance data analysis capabilities, improve collaboration, and optimise cost management. When these roles also have formal knowledge of cloud security and compliance, this will obviously help mitigate risks and ensure data protection.

Additionally, cloud literacy enables these professionals to drive innovation, make informed decisions, and provide strategic business recommendations.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing teams need to understand cloud technologies to effectively communicate their benefits. Whether it’s discussing how cloud solutions impact business operations, timelines, or customer experiences, having a grasp of cloud concepts can enhance their ability to sell and market these solutions —or use them in their operations more effectively.

Procurement

When it comes to cloud in your organisation, who’s doing the purchasing? Procurement teams are so much more effective at their roles when they have a solid understanding of cloud technologies —to help make informed purchasing decisions. That way, when technical team leaders are asking for specific features or capabilities, the procurement team can go to market with confidence in their understanding.

Knowing what to procure and how it fits into the organisation’s cloud strategy is critical for optimising resources and ensuring that the right tools are acquired.

Executives

For executives and upper management, cloud literacy is vital to keeping a finger on the pulse of technological advancements. Understanding what’s necessary, what’s changing, and what’s next in the cloud helps them stay ahead of the competition and make strategic decisions that drive the organisation forward.

Legal and Compliance

Legal and compliance teams need to understand cloud technologies to assess risks and ensure regulatory compliance. Knowledge of cloud security, data governance, and compliance standards helps these teams safeguard the organisation against legal pitfalls and security breaches —and give the teams the skills needed to ensure the solutions chosen are fit for purpose from a compliance perspective.

Finance

Finance teams must understand cloud costs and investment opportunities. Knowing where to find extra value, identify potential savings, and prioritise higher investment areas ensures that the organisation’s cloud spending is strategic and efficient.

Where to Get Started

The best place for non-technical people to start is with the basics. Fundamentals courses like our AWS and Azure fundamentals provide a solid foundation in cloud concepts, and a great foundation to build upon.

These courses cover essential topics such as cloud infrastructure, security, compliance, and cost management, offering a comprehensive overview that is accessible to all staff members.

Start your cloud journey with Bespoke

At Bespoke, we specialise in helping organisations integrate cloud training across their teams —technical or not! Our training programs ensure that every team member, regardless of their technical background, is equipped with the knowledge they need to excel in a cloud-driven world.

Ready to start your cloud training journey? Get in touch with us today or browse our training directory to find the perfect courses to launch your team on their cloud journey.

Empowering Compliance Through Effective Cloud Training

A Guide for Highly Regulated Industries

Compliance is the backbone of any business — but especially those operating within highly regulated industries. It goes beyond business rules —spanning to adherence to relevant laws and regulations designed to keep at-risk stakeholders safe and protected. Industries like healthcare, finance, and government are among the most heavily regulated, due to the amount of sensitive public data involved in their day-to-day operations.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe consequences: hefty fines, legal actions, and long-term damage to a company’s reputation and customer trust. Maintaining strict data governance is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about safeguarding the business in the long term. The good news? While it may seem daunting, there are steps your organisation can take to make compliance easy.

How training can help

While the requirements for compliance are often outlined by the company or the law, they’re upheld by employees. This means your team is your biggest asset when it comes to staying in-line with regulations and maintaining strict compliance protocols. How? It all starts with training:

Your team understands what’s required of them

First and foremost, training ensures that all team members are aware of the specific regulatory requirements pertinent to their roles. This knowledge is essential for performing their duties correctly.

Training programs can help to break down complex regulations into understandable and actionable items, making it easier for employees to grasp and adhere to compliance standards as part of their daily activities.

Your team understands the consequences

Understanding the ramifications of non-compliance is equally important. Training helps employees recognise the potential consequences of failing to adhere to regulations, both for the company, for external stakeholders — and sometimes, for themselves personally.

This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and urgency, encouraging team members to prioritise compliance at all times.

Your team knows how to approach situations to reduce risk

Training equips employees with the skills and strategies to handle situations in ways that minimise risk. By learning best practices and protocols, team members can approach their work with confidence, ensuring that their actions support compliance and reduce the likelihood of regulatory breaches.

Scenario-based training can be particularly effective in preparing employees for real-world challenges.

Training helps to identify and mitigate risks before they arise

Proactive training programs teach employees how to identify potential compliance risks early. By recognising warning signs and understanding risk factors, staff can take preventive measures before issues escalate —which is especially important in areas like cybersecurity.

This proactive approach not only protects the organisation but also streamlines operations by avoiding disruptions caused by compliance failures.

Training helps to embed a culture of compliance

Consistent and thorough training embeds compliance into the core competencies of every role within the organisation. When compliance becomes a fundamental aspect of the company culture, it is naturally integrated into everyday operations.

This cultural shift ensures that compliance is always top of mind, rather than an afterthought, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental breaches.

Compliance and the Cloud

Cloud computing is becoming increasingly integral to business operations. But, with the rise of cloud technologies, compliance in the cloud has also become a critical focus. As cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated, regulatory bodies are imposing stricter guidelines to protect sensitive data stored and processed in the cloud.

Ensuring compliance in the cloud involves understanding and adhering to these regulations, which can be complex and ever-changing. Training is vital here as well, ensuring that IT professionals and other relevant staff are up-to-date with the latest compliance requirements and best practices for cloud security.

This knowledge helps businesses leverage cloud technologies while maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting against data breaches.

Get compliant — train your team

Achieving and maintaining compliance is an ongoing process that requires a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce. At Bespoke, we are dedicated to helping your team stay compliant and up-to-date with the latest regulatory standards.

We offer comprehensive training programs to suit organisations of all sizes —to help you stay compliant in the cloud.

Ready to enhance your team’s compliance capabilities? Browse our course directory today and set up team training through Bespoke. Equip your team with the skills and knowledge they need to ensure your business remains compliant, secure, and successful.

5 ways to foster a learning culture in your organisation

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It’s a phrase that’s thrown around a lot in corporate-land: a ‘culture of continuous learning’. Heralded as the key strategy for savvy organisations looking to future-proof their workforce, it marks a shift from traditional paradigms, towards a more dynamic model, where employee growth and organisational success are intertwined.

But what does cultivating a learning culture actually entail? And why should your organisation strive to achieve it?

Why aim for a learning culture?

A learning culture ensures that your workforce remains dynamic and ever-improving. It takes note of the fact that the workplace isn’t static —the challenges and requirements of roles are shifting at an ever-growing rate— but also, the people in the workplace are living, breathing, growing individuals.

While this may sound like it’s focused around improving employee engagement, it actually goes a lot deeper than that. IBM released a report that really outlined the true value of employee training for organisations: in the best performing organisations, 84% of employees were receiving ongoing training needed for their roles. In the worst-performing companies? Only 16% of employees were receiving training.

So it’s pretty clear that building this culture of continuous learning is important, and beneficial for business success. Not only does it keep team members engaged and fulfilled, it acts as a magnet to help you attract top talent from outside your organisation too.

But best of all, it improves your capacity to keep and grow relevant, in-demand skillsets in-house —lowering the need for outside hiring of critical roles in a competitive talent market, and giving your company a competitive edge.

How to build a culture of continuous learning

Provide training and development opportunities

This one may seem obvious, but it’s also foundational. It all starts with actually providing your team with training and development opportunities. This might look like providing them with access to online resources to learn autonomously, or PD budgets —or booking courses for your team to attend.

Whatever your option, a culture of learning starts with making learning accessible.

Give employees time to commit to training

It’s not just about the training itself; employees need the time and mental space to dedicate to learning. This is known as psychological safety in the workplace. People can’t (and won’t) seek out new skills when their to-do list is never-ending, their lunch breaks are spent catching up on emails, or their calendar is back-to-back meetings from 8-5.

To truly engage with learning, it needs to be prioritised —and the company needs to help employees to create time and space to prioritise it.

Build internal knowledge sharing platforms

A great way to build a culture of learning is to take a look at all the skills you’ve got in-house already —and encourage subject matter experts to share the love!

From company lunch-and-learns to impromptu tips and tricks, build platforms and ways for your people to share their ideas, skills and knowledge.

Facilitate cross-functional teams and projects

One of the best ways to help teams stay engaged and upskilling is to foster collaboration between teams and team members with different skill sets. Cross-functional projects allow employees to step out of their usual roles and gain new perspectives, building a broader understanding of the organisation’s operations. This exposure to diverse skill sets and problem-solving approaches promotes innovative thinking and continuous learning.

By breaking down silos and promoting a collaborative spirit, you create an environment where knowledge is shared freely, and learning becomes an integral part of everyday work life.

Make it core competency, and a top priority

Learning, like anything else, is a skill. To truly foster a culture of continuous learning, it’s essential to prioritise learning as a core competency within your organisation. This means making it a fundamental part of your hiring process and a key expectation for both new hires and existing team members.

When recruiting, look for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth. For current employees, emphasise the importance of ongoing education and skill development as critical components of their roles. By embedding learning into your company’s core values and performance metrics, you signal its importance and ensure that it remains a consistent focus.

What role do team leaders play?

In short: a big one. Without the buy-in and direction from top management, these tips and this learning culture won’t be able to seed into the culture and grow in the long term. Outside of the obvious and tactile elements like ensuring adequate resourcing is allocated for training and development, leaders also need to help drive this change culturally.

Team leaders need to lead from the front. By actively keeping their own skills up to date, and engaging with professional development themselves, and showing it to be a business priority, team leaders can show their team what it looks like to prioritise learning.

What’s more, leaders can help to reinforce this transformation by embedding learning into rewards and recognition programs. Monthly learning goals or friendly team learning competitions can help to make learning fun and feel like a core competency of people’s jobs —as opposed to ‘just another thing to be done’ in a busy schedule.

By putting fun and friendly goals around learning and development, it sends the signal that learning is important —just like sales targets, quotas and other performance measures.

Want to give your team a leg up on learning?

At Bespoke, we’re ready to help you make cloud learning a core component of your team’s day-to-day. From cloud fundamentals to advanced specialities, we’ve got options for both individual and team-wide training, as well as a friendly team on hand to help you build the right learning path for your organisation’s goals.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a culture of continuous learning, get in touch with our team today or browse our training directory. Build future-ready skills in-house and increase your team engagement —train your team in cloud today.

Instructor-led training: Maximise your team’s learning potential

Building a team of employees that are agile, adaptable and future-ready is one of the key challenges facing IT team leaders in today’s rapidly-evolving technical landscape. To this end, as organisations continually seek to develop their in-house cloud skillsets, the quest for the ‘best’ way to upskill and reskill team members in these complex technologies wages on.

That’s where instructor-led training comes in. Let’s take a look into why instructor-led training is not just another way of learning, but rather, a core pillar of an effective training strategy —one which can take your team’s training (and productivity) to new heights.

What is instructor-led training?

Instructor-led training (ILT), unlike its self-paced counterparts, offers a more high-touch approach to learning. Participants benefit from the expertise and real-world insights of seasoned instructors who guide them through more complex concepts, ensuring a deep understanding and thorough application of the material. Whether sessions are held face-to-face or virtually, instructors are there on-hand, ready to guide their students through the content.

It goes beyond the dissemination of information; it’s about fostering an interactive learning environment that engages participants in critical thinking and problem-solving. Through hands-on exercises, group discussions, and real-world case studies, learners are challenged to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, honing their skills and deepening their understanding. This active engagement reinforces the concepts and encourages peer-to-peer learning as well.

Why choose instructor-led?

Opting for instructor-led training ensures hands-on guidance, interactive engagement, and the opportunity for students to grow their network of like-minded peers. It’s an immersive learning experience that accelerates skill acquisition and knowledge retention. What’s more, it fosters deeper collaboration between students and instructors, making learning engaging and enjoyable. Let’s go a little deeper into the benefits of ILT:

Interactive and flexible learning activities foster critical thinking
One of the standout features of instructor-led training is its flexibility, allowing for tailored learning experiences to meet individual needs. Unlike self-paced or on-demand modules, instructor-led sessions can be adapted to the pace and learning styles of participants, ensuring no one gets left behind. Whether it’s providing additional explanations, offering supplemental resources, or adjusting the curriculum based on learner feedback, instructors tailor the learning journey to maximise its effectiveness and relevance.

Building community and networking opportunities
The sense of community and networking opportunities within training cohorts add immense value to the overall learning experience. Participants have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects, enriching their learning journey through diverse perspectives and shared experiences. This sense of camaraderie not only enhances motivation and engagement but also lays the groundwork for valuable professional relationships that extend beyond the training room.

Human interaction enhances engagement and knowledge retention
Perhaps most importantly, this collaborative and ‘human’ approach plays a vital role in engagement and knowledge retention, making instructor-led training a valuable investment in employee development. The ability to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful discussions with instructors and peers fosters a deeper connection to the material and promotes long-term memory retention. This interpersonal dynamic creates a learning environment where participants feel supported, empowered, and inspired to excel.

But what about self-paced learning?

With the rise of self-paced learning modules, webinars and online resources, the question needs to be asked: how do the learning outcomes compare between the two? While self-paced training, like AWS Skill Builder or Microsoft Learn, offers flexibility and convenience, it often lacks the depth of in instructor-led sessions.

Self-paced learning can serve as a valuable supplementary tool as part of a blended learning approach, or for providing foundational knowledge, but it may not fully meet the needs of learners seeking comprehensive understanding and greater practical application. Without access to a knowledgeable instructor to answer questions, give real-world insights and share their expertise, learners may encounter challenges in fully grasping complex concepts or applying them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Self-paced modules or on-demand webinars tend to be more focused on theory, with less opportunity for practical application. For cloud training specifically, when learning a new technology and how to implement new solutions, the opportunity to demonstrate these skills and access training labs to practise is essential. Otherwise, it’s like trying to learn to drive a car through watching a YouTube series.

Accelerate your team’s learning journey with ILT

Ultimately, the decision between instructor-led and self-paced training depends on individual learning preferences, goals, and resource constraints. But, for those seeking a transformative learning experience that prioritises hands-on guidance, interactive engagement, and community-building: instructor-led training emerges as the clear choice. It empowers individuals and organisations to unlock their full potential and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Why Choose Bespoke Instructor-Led Training?

At Bespoke, we take pride in offering a world-class instructor-led cloud training experience. Our expert trainers bring a wealth of real-world experience and practical insights to every session, ensuring that participants receive top-notch guidance and support, and complete the training ready to put their new skills to the test. With a focus on interactive activities, collaborative learning and community-building, our instructor-led training programs set the standard for excellence.

Ready to elevate your team’s learning experience? Contact us today to book your instructor-led training with our expert team, and unlock your team’s full potential!

How to train your tech team on a budget

Today’s economy is tough. Expectations from teams are higher than ever, but rising pressure on budgets means higher pressure, and competing priorities. In saying this, productivity remains paramount, so team leaders are finding themselves having to think strategically about the best use of their resources. In today’s economy, where does training and team development fit in?

Investing in employee training is essential for long-term success. But, it’s often one of the first areas to get cut in times of budget pressure. Our suggestion? Rather than cutting training altogether, aim to be more strategic: look for cost effective ways to train your team, keep productivity high and boost your team’s engagement.

Let’s unpack a few key strategies to help you get more bang for your budget —and keep your team on the right track.

Peer-to-peer learning and mentoring

The first port of call is to harness the expertise within your own ranks by fostering peer-to-peer learning and mentoring programs. No doubt, within your team, you already have a plethora of different skill sets and specialties. Encourage team members who possess these specialised skills to share their knowledge through informal sessions like lunch and learns, or more structured mentoring programs.

This not only promotes knowledge sharing but also fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning —and keeps your top performers engaged and gives them an opportunity to practice new skills, like presenting skills, and teaching others.

Tap into free online resources

In the digital age, a wealth of training resources are available at your fingertips —often at no cost. Platforms like Microsoft Learn offer a treasure trove of educational content, from beginner to advanced levels, covering topics ranging from cloud computing to data analytics. Or, if webinars are more your speed, keep an eye out for relevant topics on LinkedIn and create a space on your team Slack or Teams channel to share relevant sessions with your team.

These webinars —or things like industry podcasts— provide valuable insights and best practices from industry experts, allowing your team to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies without breaking the bank. These free online resources cover a wide range of cloud topics, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Try a Blended Learning Approach

Stretch your training budget further by adopting a blended learning approach. Instead of solely relying on more costly external training programs, leverage a mix of online resources and instructor-led sessions. Blended learning not only reduces costs but also enhances learning outcomes by providing flexibility and personalised learning experiences tailored to individual needs.

This approach allows employees to learn at their own pace, and get access to more resources and self-paced options, while still benefiting from expert guidance and support of an experienced trainer.

Strategic allocation of your training budget

Take a more strategic approach to allocating your training budget by identifying your organisation’s biggest skill gaps and training priorities. Conduct a thorough learning needs analysis to pinpoint areas where additional training is needed and prioritise your training investments accordingly.

Once you know your business’ skills gaps, you can develop a customised learning plan to address your specific training goals and maximise cost efficiency and ROI.

Invest in the right training partner

At Bespoke, we understand the need to get the best training outcomes, while operating within budget constraints. We’re here to help you through the process of identifying what your skills gaps are, and giving you a structured, proven pathway to get your business from where it is, to where you want it to be.

So why wait? Complete our exclusive Cloud Skills Assessment or get in touch to build your customised flexible training to start maximising your budget today.

How to use AWS Marketplace to book your team’s cloud training

Cloud training has become a cornerstone for teams and organisations looking to stay competitive in a rapidly-evolving tech landscape. But, navigating the process of procuring cloud training for your team can often be cumbersome —and time-consuming.

The solution? If you’re already an AWS customer, take a look at booking your AWS training through AWS Marketplace. It’s a seamless and efficient solution guaranteed to streamline your cloud training procurement process.

The Importance of Cloud Training

Before diving into the benefits of using AWS Marketplace for cloud training, let’s recap why cloud training is essential for your team. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud technologies to drive growth and efficiency, having a skilled workforce proficient in cloud computing is key to long-term success.

Quality training equips your team with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the full potential of cloud platforms like AWS. It enables them to drive innovation, optimise operations, fortify your security measures and ultimately, deliver on business objectives. And a bonus? Ongoing training and upskilling helps to keep your top performers engaged and fulfilled at work.

Why Use AWS Marketplace for Cloud Training?

If you’re already an AWS customer, AWS Marketplace is the ideal platform for procuring cloud training for your team. Why? Let’s break it down.

One vendor, one bill
With AWS Marketplace, you can streamline your procurement process by consolidating all your cloud training purchases into a single bill from a trusted vendor. This simplifies the approval process and reduces administrative overhead, allowing you to focus on what matters most –empowering your team with the skills they need to succeed.

Fast and easy process
Unlike traditional procurement methods that can involve lengthy contract agreements and supplier approvals, booking cloud training through AWS Marketplace is fast and straightforward —so you can get the training you need, when you need it. With just a few clicks, you can sign up for training courses, eliminating ongoing back-and-forth and accelerating speed to competency.

Get access to the trusted vendors through AWS Marketplace
Through AWS Marketplace, businesses get access to a curated selection of approved vendors and vetted AWS partners, ensuring quality and reliability in their cloud training endeavours. With a streamlined procurement process, accessing top-notch training resources becomes faster and more efficient, so your team can supercharge their skills faster and more effectively.

Train your team with Bespoke

If you’re ready to take the next step and train your team, Bespoke offers a range of Cloud Training Packages designed to cater for teams of all sizes:

Bespoke’s AWS Team Training Packages

We have created some team training packages based on popular options usually selected by Bespoke customers. As you are already aware, AWS default accounts charge in US dollars, which is why we provide our pricing in that currency. You can then select your nominated currency during the transaction, excluding local tax obligations.

Package Inclusions Investment
3 team training package  4 training days per person, a team total of 12 training days USD$7,200
6 team training package 4 training days per person, a team total of 24 training days USD$14,400
9 team training package 4 training days per person, a team total of 36 training days USD$21,600
15 team training package 4 training days per person, a team total of 60 training days USD$36,000
25 team training package  4 training days per person, a team total of 100 training days USD$60,000

With 4 training days per person, this gives you the flexibility to ensure your team has one foundational training day, and then a 3-day associate or advanced level course.

If you’re looking for something a little different, simply reach out to our team. We can build a custom training plan, tailored to your needs, to get your team upskilled and ready for their next challenge.

How to Book Your Cloud Training Package on AWS Marketplace

Booking your cloud team’s training with Bespoke on AWS Marketplace is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how it works:

  1. Browse our range of courses: Check out our Course Training Directory on our website. We run AWS courses of all levels, from foundational to advanced. Our courses cover the latest solutions including architecting, developing, devops, AI, machine learning, data analytics and more.
  2. Visit our AWS Marketplace listing: Head to our AWS Marketplace listing and just click on the “Continue” button on the listing page. You’ll be prompted to fill out a brief form with your contact details and any specific requirements or questions you may have.
  3. Let Bespoke take care of the rest: Once you’ve submitted the form, the team at Bespoke will reach out to discuss your training needs in more detail. Bespoke will then submit the AWS Training Package offer through the Marketplace platform. Once you accept the Marketplace offer, then the package will be procured on your nominated AWS account ID.

Why wait? Upskill your team today

With AWS Marketplace, booking cloud training for your team has never been easier. By leveraging the platform’s streamlined procurement process and Bespoke’s vast selection of training options, you can empower your team with the skills they need to thrive.

Ready to supercharge your team’s skills with cloud training? Submit your request through Bespoke’s AWS marketplace listing now to get started on your journey to success!

Top 5 business gaps bridged by training

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Amidst the whirlwind of today’s rapidly transforming business landscape, it’s easy to focus on revenue spikes, ground-breaking products, or market expansion as indicators of success. However, there is one vital element that often goes unnoticed: training.

In reality, lasting success lies in a commitment to the training and development of your team and employees.

Let’s unpack the impactful role of training in organisational success. We’ll explore the top five gaps businesses can bridge with a strong commitment to learning and development —and how these factors can fuel sustainable growth and innovation.

1. Address Skills Shortages in Emerging Technologies

As technology continues to advance, businesses often find themselves grappling with skills shortages in emerging fields —areas like artificial intelligence or machine learning. Investing in training in these areas gives your current employees the opportunity to upskill or reskill, giving them the expertise needed to leverage these cutting-edge technologies effectively. This means less battling for talent in these hyper-competitive talent markets —while ensuring your organisation has the skills it needs in-house.

With your team up to date on the latest emerging trends, your organisation can stay ahead of the curve. By closing the skills gap, your company can remain competitive and capitalise on emerging opportunities —and get the best in engagement and productivity from the talent you’ve already invested in.

2. Ensure Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

It may not be the most exciting topic, but compliance is core to business success. And the thing is: good training keeps companies compliant.

Of course, compliance with regulatory standards and industry-specific regulations is non-negotiable for businesses operating in highly regulated sectors. But it’s also one of the areas where, without training, things can slip through the cracks.

Ongoing training programs play a pivotal role in ensuring that employees understand and adhere to these requirements, reducing the risk of legal issues, fines, and reputational damage. From data privacy regulations like GDPR to industry-specific certifications, comprehensive training empowers employees to navigate complex compliance landscapes with confidence and integrity.

3. Develop Leadership and Management Capabilities

Strong leadership and effective management are key pillars of organisational success. Training programs focused on leadership development and management skills equip team members with the tools and strategies needed to inspire others, drive performance, and navigate challenges with resilience. What’s more, it’s also a great way to aid in succession planning and show employees that you’re invested in their career development.

This could look like training in management skills, or even deepening your employees knowledge in speciality or focus areas —to help them transition from junior to senior, or senior individual to leading a team themselves.

By investing in leadership training, or the advancement of your employees skills into specialties or certifications, businesses can cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, laying the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability.

4. Enhance Employee Engagement and Retention

It’s widely accepted that employee engagement and retention are paramount for maintaining a motivated and high-performing workforce. But how does training relate back to employee retention?

Employees are more likely to stay with companies that invest in their development. Training programs demonstrate a commitment to employee development and growth, fostering a sense of value and investment in individual career paths. Moreover, offering opportunities for advancement through training can significantly reduce turnover rates and associated costs.

What’s more, when employees feel supported and empowered to enhance their skills and knowledge, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to the organisation —so not only will they stay for longer, but they’ll often produce better work.

5. Facilitate change management and agility

Today’s organisations (and their employees) need to be agile — to adapt to evolving technologies, market dynamics, and customer expectations, faster than ever before. Training programs play a crucial role in facilitating this transformation by preparing employees to embrace change, adopt new tools and processes, and seek out innovation within their roles.

Building a culture of continuous learning helps to build resilience, and increases employee adaptability and flexibility —essentially, this training gives them the tools they need to be ready to embrace change. By proactively addressing this change-readiness through targeted training initiatives, companies can minimise disruption, increase agility, and position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving landscape.

It all starts starts with a plan

So how can you embrace training and get the best outcomes for your business and your employees?

Unfortunately, addressing business gaps through training is not just about signing up for a few courses or giving your team access to a self-paced video library and calling it a day. A true commitment to long-term and successful training and development requires a strategic approach.

Begin by outlining clear training goals aligned with your business objectives. Assess your team’s current capabilities to identify areas for improvement and determine which skills are essential for achieving your long-term vision. A learning needs analysis is a great way to get started with this. From there, engage a training partner to help you along the rest of your journey.

Your partner in long-term learning and development success

At Bespoke, we understand the importance of strategic training initiatives in driving long-term success. Whether you’re looking for short-term courses to upskill your team as needed or seeking to implement a comprehensive, long-term training plan, we’re here to help. Our training solutions are designed to meet your unique business needs, empowering your team to bridge any gaps —and thrive.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help set your team up for success. Browse our training directory or talk to the team for a tailored learning pathway.

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