SAN ANTONIO – Rackspace Hosting launched its Open Cloud Academy Tuesday to address a shortage people trained for IT jobs that focus on cloud computing.
The new training program is located on the sixth floor of the Weston Centre, 112 East Pecan.
"There are lot of people with IT skills, but to be relevant in the cloud world, they need to add to their skills," said Graham Weston, founder and chairman of Rackspace. "You can't go to the local college to get these skills. These are skills that have only come along in the last few years."
A recent study done for Rackspace found that companies are having a difficult time finding IT professionals who have the appropriate cloud computing skills.
The Open Cloud Academy aims to bridge that hiring gap.
While the school is open to anyone, there is particular emphasis in enrolling college graduates and military veterans. More information on enrolling can be found at the Academy's website www.opencloudacademy.rackspace.com.
Nicholas Hamilton signed on for the pilot class as a pathway to a new career.
"This is a chance for me to go to school for a shorter amount of time and come out with skills I need to make a career, not just a career, but a fast-moving, amazing career," Hamilton said.
Hamilton said he had basic computer knowledge when he started, "but not really into the complex stuff, until now."
The Academy teaches the complex stuff with a focus on cloud computing.
While many who earn their certifications at the Academy may eventually be hired by Rackspace, the company's goal is broader.
"If you raise the IT intelligence of the whole city, yo uget more companies here and make the whole city more successful," said Academy instructor Jeff Lockhart.