Thomson Reuters Launches Women-Focused Cloud Training Program

Women engaged in a cloud training program, aimed at increasing representation in tech roles.

News Summary

Thomson Reuters has introduced an innovative cloud training program specifically designed for women to address gender disparity in technology. Launched in collaboration with their internal group Women@Thomson Reuters, the initiative aims to empower women by providing essential cloud skills and resources to increase their representation in tech roles. With overwhelming interest leading to expanded enrollment, this program not only fosters inclusivity but also encourages a community of support among participants, ultimately setting a precedent for diversity in the tech industry.

Thomson Reuters Launches Innovative Women-Focused Cloud Training Program

Exciting news in the tech world as Thomson Reuters has stepped up to address gender disparity in the industry with a new cloud training program tailored specifically for women. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also empowers women to dive into the technological side of business.

A Cloud-First Approach

Back in 2015, Thomson Reuters started a cloud-first strategy, focusing on leveraging cloud technologies for all new applications. Fast forward to 2018, they began the big move of migrating from on-premises data centers to Amazon Web Services (AWS). By 2020, more than 50% of their workloads were already in the cloud. This significant shift set the stage for the creation of an internal training program known as Nuvola Academy, aimed at enhancing employees’ cloud skills.

Empowering Women in Tech

In 2021, the internal group Women@Thomson Reuters (W@TR) teamed up with Nuvola Academy to develop a cloud training program geared towards women. Leading the charge was Neha Mahajan, who has been with Thomson Reuters for nine years and is a critical part of their Indian technology hub. The goal? To boost equity and representation in technology roles, specifically addressing the long-standing gender imbalance in tech jobs.

Setting Ambitious Goals

The program was designed with three key targets, kicking off with a foundational course called Cloud 101, exclusive to women. This course prepares participants for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification—a stepping stone into the cloud industry. In addition to Cloud 101, two other cohorts were established targeting the AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification. It’s a thorough and structured approach to ensure that participants are well-equipped to take on the challenges of the tech world.

Overwhelming Interest

The response to this initiative has been phenomenal, with 683 women signing up from various locations in India, including major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara. Due to the overwhelming interest, enrollment for the introductory course was expanded to 100 women, tripling the initial capacity.

Learning from the Best

Most of the training sessions were led by female instructors from AWS, who volunteered to teach these supportive, all-female cohorts. This not only offers valuable knowledge but also serves as a fantastic mentorship opportunity, fostering a sense of community among the participants.

Building Confidence and Skills

The courses ran from early July to the end of September 2022, and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many reported feeling more empowered and confident in showcasing their skills, thanks to the nurturing environment created by fellow learners and instructors.

Creating a Culture of Empowerment

The women-focused program reflects Thomson Reuters’ dedicated commitment to promoting equity and diversity in career development. With the talent pool in technology constantly evolving, it is crucial to invest in training and support so that everyone can have a seat at the table. Christine Hoffman, a Human Resources Business Partner at Thomson Reuters, emphasized how vital it is to provide training and support for employees embarking on technological roles.

A Bright Future Ahead

With this initiative, Thomson Reuters is not just transforming its internal culture but is also setting an example for other companies to follow. As more women seize opportunities in technology, it might just be the start of a more balanced and inclusive industry.