FCJ Workforce Program

First Cloud Journey Workforce

First Cloud Journey Workforce (FCJ Workforce) is an AWS training program launched in 2021. In over 2 years of operation, the program has brought AWS knowledge to more than 2000 young people and closely accompanied over 150 students.

Graduates from the FCJ Workforce program are currently working at many AWS partners and customers. They are also the core force contributing to the building and development of the AWS Study Group community - a learning group with over 41,000 members.

The main goal of FCJ Workforce is to build a high-quality AWS builder team for Vietnam, contributing to the development of the cloud technology industry in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the program start and end?

FCJ Workforce usually has 2 major enrollment periods per year, in January and July. Each course lasts 6 months. However, students can continue learning and interacting with the community indefinitely after the official course ends.

What are the conditions to participate in the program?

The program always strives to support and accompany as many participants as possible. However, due to increasingly high job requirements, please ensure that you meet or clearly understand the following conditions to participate:

  • Have basic knowledge of programming and the IT field. (If you’re from a different field, it may take 1 to 1.5 years to learn the fundamentals)
  • Have a personal computer for practice.
  • Be able to create a personal AWS account.
  • Be able to participate in learning for 6 months.
  • Have a spirit of self-study and willingness to share with the community.

First Cloud Journey

What if you can’t register for an AWS account?

Some common issues when registering for an AWS account and their solutions:

  • Card doesn’t support international transactions:
    • Use a credit/debit card that supports international payments
    • You can use virtual Visa/Master cards from reputable e-wallets
  • Invalid address:
    • Fill in the address accurately according to the required format
    • Avoid using special characters and Vietnamese accents
    • Use your personal phone number
  • Payment verification error:
    • Check the available balance on the card (usually $1 is needed for verification)
    • Contact your bank to unlock international transactions
  • Other cases:
    • Contact a mentor or AWS Support for assistance
    • Refer to detailed guidelines in the AWS Study Group

What does the program curriculum include?

The program includes:

  • Basic theoretical knowledge about AWS
  • Focus on hands-on skills on AWS with over 100 practical exercises
  • Additional research content to develop in various directions such as Cloud Engineer, DevOps, Developer, Data Engineer, AIML Engineer
  • Developing soft skills such as networking, sharing, documentation writing, presentation, teamwork, and commitment

Does the program charge tuition or have any costs?

FCJ Workforce is a non-profit program, so there is no tuition fee. You will need to invest in the following costs:

  • Uniform cost: 250,000 VND (Coolmate)
  • Practice cost: estimated at about 500,000 VND/month (if managing AWS account well) Is the program online or offline? The program is self-paced. Students can learn at a pace suitable for themselves. We will support each other among students and from the AWS Study Group community.

How to avoid incurring costs when using AWS?

Managing personal account costs is the first step we need to master when wanting to make cloud computing our strength. When participating in the program, you will:

  • Guidance on how to set up billing alerts
  • Have access to cost optimization documentation
  • Receive reviews and advice on cost-saving methods from mentors (AWS Well-Architected)
  • Be provided with AWS free tier and credits (through event-based activities)"

Is the program online or offline?

The program follows a self-paced learning format with a pre-prepared curriculum and content available on an online platform. For practical exercises, you will practice using your personal AWS account. Students can learn at a pace that suits their individual needs.

Monthly offline meetup events will be organized where participants can act as speakers and share their new research or side projects.

What are the conditions for completing the program?

To graduate, you will need to build at least 5 quality hands-on workshops to demonstrate your AWS capabilities. In addition, you will also need to ensure completion of all video content and basic practical exercises.

Do graduates receive a certificate?

You will receive a certificate of completion for the FCJ Workforce program if you meet the completion requirements mentioned above. Additionally, you will be supported in preparing for and guided through taking AWS certifications that serve your career goals.

Does the program guarantee outcomes upon completion?

The volunteer team can support you with the following to increase job search and competitiveness for graduates:

  • Support internship stamps for students
  • Priority job referrals at AWS partners and customers for qualified students
  • Provide reference letters
  • Support students in applying to become AWS Community Builders with many benefits

What networking opportunities will you have?

By participating in the program, you will have many opportunities to connect through:

  • Joining the AWS Study Group community with over 41,000 members.
  • Connecting with AWS expert mentors and the volunteer team.
  • Participating in monthly offline and online community events (at least once a month).
  • Opportunities to meet and learn from previous cohorts (Champions from previous seasons).
  • Support for students to apply to become AWS Community Builders, with opportunities to connect with AWS experts globally.

I’m stuck on many steps during practice? I don’t understand the practice steps?

Due to frequent updates of AWS interface and features, document updates are carried out by the volunteer team usually twice a year, so there will always be unforeseen errors during practice. During practice, students can receive support from the volunteer team and the AWS Study Group community.

First Cloud Journey

Registration Link:

If you are interested and want to become a member of the FCJ team, please register here:

https://pulse.aws/application/NJ8X4DBX

The application process for FCJ Workforce 2025 - Season 1 will be close on 15th Feb 2025. Email will be send out after the end of application period.