With Cloud Computing Digital Certification, Vocational School Students in Kudus Are Positioned to Earn 112% Higher Income

Indonesia has recorded rapid growth in internet development services and cloud computing, in line with the massive development of the country's digital economy. The International Data Corporation (IDC) notes that the cloud market in Indonesia has the potential to reach a value of USD 1.38 billion, equivalent to 22 trillion rupiah, by 2025. Unfortunately, the number of service providers in this sector is still limited and requires significant development, leaving the cloud computing market dominated by foreign providers.

In response to this need and situation, PT iForte Solusi Infotek, a company engaged in telecommunications infrastructure and internet service provision, aims to develop skilled personnel in the field of cloud computing. They have partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to conduct cloud computing training and offer certification for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, both of which are globally recognized. AWS is a cloud provider with a wide range of services and features, including computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

In July 2023, 1,505 students and 55 teachers from the Computer Network Engineering and Telecommunications (TJKT) programs at 11 vocational schools in Kudus participated in a short training course on cloud computing. This training aimed to provide an initial understanding of cloud computing and identify quality students with digital skills, especially in cloud computing. Subsequently, 42 teachers and 158 students were selected to participate in advanced AWS certification training from iForte.

Silvi Liswanda, Vice President Director of PT iForte Solusi Infotek, stated, "This certification training for vocational school students in Kudus is expected to provide updates and completeness in digital skills, particularly in cloud computing, which is highly needed in the current industrial world. We hope this series of activities can assist their preparation for further education and career development."

To conclude the training, a project-based competition was held for all participants. This competition required students to create a static website hosted on the cloud, showcasing their creative abilities using the material taught during the training.

As a result, eight winners were selected from SMKN 2 Kudus and SMK PGRI 2 Kudus, both of which are vocational schools supported by the Djarum Foundation. They competed against 12 other groups to present the projects they designed and developed in front of the judges.

"This training is very beneficial for me and my friends. We are truly prepared to face the workforce and its various challenges. I'm also happy that the knowledge I gained was tested to the fullest in this competition," said Syahrul Imam Said, a 12th-grade student from SMKN 2 Kudus and the first-place winner of the project-based competition.

According to Primadi H. Serad, Director of the Djarum Foundation's Educational Charity Program, "The motivation behind this program is research conducted by AWS and Gallup, indicating that in Indonesia, workers with proficient digital skills can earn 112% more than those without digital skills. Thus, with this training, it is hoped that vocational school graduates can compete in the job market. Additionally, the Merdeka Curriculum is also an essential foundation that will enhance the quality of vocational students through a learning process aligned with industry needs."

This collaboration program between educational institutions and industry is expected to be a breath of fresh air and a model for the development of digital programs and technological advancement in the future. Indonesia, get ready!