Year 11 IDT Students Excel in AWS Virtual Work Placement

Year 11 IDT (VET IT) students spent the past week working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) on a Virtual Work Placement. During this time, they learned about AWS platforms, what it takes to be an Amazonian, and the current and future landscape of the IT industry. They also engaged with AWS Educate to gain skills in cloud services, soft skills, and server technologies.

The program, which blended interactive content, hands-on projects, and mentoring sessions, left a lasting impact on the participants. Rhys described the week as "fantastic and jam-packed with engaging and inviting content." His enthusiasm was echoed by Daniel, who found the experience "very interesting," offering deep insights into AWS, a leader in cloud computing. Michael highlighted the practical understanding they gained about how businesses utilise AWS software, while Tom enjoyed trying out specific services like IAM and EC2.

Highlights of the Week

The students particularly enjoyed the collaborative aspects of the program. Rhys and Daniel both pointed to the group project time as a highlight. Rhys appreciated the one-to-one connections and the opportunity to share ideas, while Daniel enjoyed working together to formulate solutions. Michael valued the mentoring sessions, finding them the most valuable part of the week. Tom relished planning out the architecture for how various AWS services would interact, calling it incredibly fun.

Key Takeaways

The work placement pushed the students out of their comfort zones and expanded their knowledge. Rhys learned the basics of cloud computing and the resources available through AWS. Daniel gained valuable insights into a key sector of the tech industry. Michael discovered potential career paths in cloud computing, and Tom deepened his understanding of how cloud services operate.

Outstanding Achievements

Congratulations to Rhys, Tom, Michael, and Daniel, who received five out of five possible awards for their week-long project, which included presenting their pitch to a judging panel and over 500 students. Their outstanding performance showcased their ability to apply what they had learned and demonstrated their potential as future IT professionals.

Final Thoughts

The participants were unanimous in their praise for AWS's organisation and delivery of the program. Rhys noted that the AWS team created an environment that maximised their abilities and fostered deep, thoughtful collaboration. Daniel felt privileged to be part of such an engaging and well-structured program. Michael appreciated the continuous engagement and high-quality content provided throughout the week.

In conclusion, the AWS work placement was a resounding success, providing the students with practical skills, industry insights, and a memorable learning experience.

Mr Garry Steman and the Year 11 IDT/VET IT Class.