Microsoft organized the first Cloud Skills Challenge in Guatemala

Guatemala. In order to provide Guatemalan talent with the digital skills most in demand in the market and ensure that the country has enough qualified personnel for its digital transformation, Microsoft carried out its Cloud Skills Challenge initiative for the first time in the country.

The Cloud Skills Challenge is a cloud skills learning challenge that lasts 30 days, takes place on the Microsoft Learn platform and can be done at the pace and times that best suit the needs of each participant. In this space, supported by a series of tutorials, interactive guides, practical learning development environments and evaluations, both teachers and students from the Universidad del Valle, the Universidad Rafael Landívar and the Universidad del Istmo developed the necessary skills for managing of cloud tools. 188 participants completed all Azure Cloud Computing Fundamentals requirements and received a voucher to earn industry-recognized and high-demand certifications.

Cloud computing and storage technologies have an impact on all industries, all countries, and all individuals. These will be decisive for the innovation, competitiveness, efficiency and productivity of people and companies. For this reason, the Cloud Skills Challenge seeks to create a robust ecosystem of professionals who accelerate the adoption and knowledge of the cloud and who become the engine of innovation and digital transformation in the country.

“The World Economic Forum estimates that, by 2030, 77% of jobs will be permeated by technology, and Guatemalan professionals who develop these skills will have a clear advantage in a fast-paced digital and global world. Empowering Guatemalan talent with technology skills will allow them to stay competitive, find opportunities for more and better jobs, and be engines of transformation and innovation in their organizations and in our country,” said Erick Sosa, director of Microsoft Cloud Businesses. Central America.

New technologies that are in a phase of accelerated adoption require people who understand how they work and can innovate on, develop and adapt them. Tech skills – both advanced and basic – will see substantial growth in demand. Today, only 33% of the demand for technology talent is finding qualified personnel. With the right actions, the worrying global skills gap landscape is both an opportunity. It is estimated that, by 2022, 808 million people will be required to acquire new skills (especially focused on technology) and the decisions we make today will determine the course of the lives and livelihoods of entire generations.

“Guatemala, and in particular the youth of the country, needs help to open job opportunities in STEM disciplines and join the economy of innovation and knowledge. The Cloud Skills Challenge is just the beginning of a wonderful journey of adventures in technologies that will surely enrich the experiences of the participants”, said Douglas Barrios, director of Computer Science at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala.