Cloud Computing · Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Build Secure, Well-Architected Workloads on AWS

Learn the core Amazon Web Services and how to combine them into secure, reliable and cost-effective workloads, from IAM and networking to compute, storage, databases and monitoring.

  • AWS fundamentals and global infrastructure
  • IAM and VPC networking
  • Compute, storage and managed databases
  • Monitoring, security and architecture

Course overview

About This Course

Amazon Web Services (AWS) introduces the most commonly used AWS services and the practices for building workloads that are secure, reliable and cost-effective.

AWS is one of the most widely adopted cloud platforms, used by start-ups and large enterprises alike. Understanding its core services is valuable for infrastructure, development, data and operations roles.

You will learn how AWS accounts and regions work, how to control access with IAM, how to build networks with VPCs, how to run compute, store data and use managed databases, and how to monitor and secure what you build.

This course is part of our Cloud Computing learning paths, alongside Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Cloud Security and AWS Data Engineering build on it.

Who it is for

Who Should Take This Course?

  • Beginners in cloud

    You are new to cloud computing and want to start with a widely used platform.

  • Infrastructure and operations staff

    You manage servers and networks and want to work on AWS.

  • Developers

    You build applications and want to deploy and run them on AWS.

  • Career changers into cloud

    You are building cloud skills for a new technical role.

Learning outcomes

What You Will Learn

By working through the course, you will build towards being able to:

  • Explain core cloud concepts and AWS global infrastructure such as regions and availability zones.

  • Control access with IAM users, roles, policies and multi-factor authentication.

  • Design VPCs with public and private subnets, routing and security groups.

  • Run workloads on EC2, containers and AWS Lambda.

  • Choose between Amazon S3, EBS and EFS, and between Amazon RDS and DynamoDB.

  • Monitor and audit workloads with Amazon CloudWatch and AWS CloudTrail.

  • Apply the principles of the AWS Well-Architected Framework to a design.

Curriculum

Course Curriculum

The course is organised into modules. Session order and depth may vary by training arrangement.

  1. Module 1: Cloud and AWS fundamentals

    Core cloud ideas and how AWS is structured.

    Topics covered include

    • Cloud service models
    • Regions, availability zones and edge locations
    • AWS accounts and the shared responsibility model
    • The AWS console, CLI and infrastructure as code

    Practical activity: Map the components of a sample application to AWS infrastructure.

  2. Module 2: IAM and networking

    Secure access and connect resources on AWS.

    Topics covered include

    • IAM users, groups, roles and policies
    • Multi-factor authentication
    • VPCs, subnets and route tables
    • Security groups and network ACLs

    Practical activity: Design a VPC and least-privilege IAM roles for a sample application.

  3. Module 3: Compute

    Run applications with the right AWS compute service.

    Topics covered include

    • Amazon EC2 and Auto Scaling
    • Elastic Load Balancing
    • Containers on AWS at an introductory level
    • Serverless with AWS Lambda

    Practical activity: Deploy a sample application behind a load balancer and compare compute options.

  4. Module 4: Storage

    Store objects, blocks and files on AWS.

    Topics covered include

    • Amazon S3 and storage classes
    • Amazon EBS
    • Amazon EFS
    • Backup and lifecycle policies

    Practical activity: Choose storage for different parts of a sample application and set lifecycle rules.

  5. Module 5: Databases and managed services

    Use managed AWS services instead of running everything yourself.

    Topics covered include

    • Amazon RDS
    • Amazon DynamoDB
    • Caching with Amazon ElastiCache at an introductory level
    • Messaging with Amazon SQS and SNS

    Practical activity: Select database and messaging services for a sample order-processing system.

  6. Module 6: Monitoring, security and architecture

    Operate AWS workloads and design them well.

    Topics covered include

    • Amazon CloudWatch metrics, logs and alarms
    • AWS CloudTrail auditing
    • Security services overview
    • The AWS Well-Architected Framework

    Practical activity: Review a sample architecture against the Well-Architected pillars and recommend improvements.

Practical learning

Hands-On Learning

Practical work designs and builds a sample application environment on AWS. Examples of activities include:

Hands-on work uses an AWS environment. Whether an environment is provided, or you use your own account (and any costs involved), will be explained when you enquire.

  • Designing VPCs and IAM roles
  • Deploying applications to EC2 and Lambda
  • Configuring storage and managed databases
  • Setting up CloudWatch monitoring and alarms

Before you start

Prerequisites and Learning Requirements

  • Recommended background

    No prior cloud experience is needed.

  • Technical prerequisites

    Basic IT knowledge such as networking basics, operating systems and using a command line is helpful.

  • Software and tools

    A computer with a reliable internet connection for live online sessions. Access to an AWS environment is needed for hands-on work; the options will be confirmed when you enquire.

  • Prior experience

    Suitable as a first cloud course for learners with basic IT knowledge.

Learning Format

IT Champion Hub offers live, instructor-led online training and workshops. Formats, duration and schedules vary by course and are not the same for every program.

  • Live online sessions led by an instructor
  • Practical activities alongside explanations
  • Upcoming batches and schedules shared on enquiry

Enquire to find out the formats and upcoming batches available for this course. Enquire about this course

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior cloud experience?

No. The course starts with cloud fundamentals. Basic IT knowledge, such as networking and operating system basics, is helpful.

Do I need an AWS account?

Hands-on work needs access to an AWS environment. We'll explain the options, and any costs involved, when you enquire.

Is this an AWS certification course?

No. The course focuses on practical AWS skills. It is not an official AWS certification course.

Should I choose AWS, Azure or Google Cloud?

The core ideas are similar on every platform. Choose the platform used where you work or want to work, or enquire and we'll help you decide.

How can I enquire about upcoming training?

Select Enquire About This Course. The enquiry form will note that you are asking about Amazon Web Services (AWS), and we'll get back to you with upcoming batches and available schedules.

Ready to Explore This Learning Path?

Have questions about the curriculum, prerequisites, or training arrangements? Get in touch with IT Champion Hub to discuss your learning goals.