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Cloud Infrastructure Program

Cloud Infrastructure

Multi-cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), OpenStack, infrastructure-as-code, microservices architecture, Kubernetes, Docker, and deployment automation.

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Program Overview

The Cloud Infrastructure program teaches students how to design, deploy, and manage cloud-based systems using AWS, Azure, GCP, and open-source platforms like OpenStack with modern DevOps and microservices practices.

Students gain hands-on experience with multi-cloud platforms, learn infrastructure-as-code principles, container orchestration with Kubernetes, and develop skills in automation, scalability, and reliability through real cloud infrastructure and production-like environments.

Certification Preparation

This program prepares students for AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, Google Cloud Engineer, Kubernetes CKA/CKAD, and other cloud certifications.

Core Skills

Cloud Platform Fundamentals

  • AWS (EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, Lambda, IAM)
  • Azure (VMs, Blob Storage, VNets, SQL Database)
  • GCP (Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, VPC, Cloud Functions)
  • OpenStack for private cloud infrastructure

Infrastructure-as-Code

  • Terraform for multi-cloud provisioning
  • CloudFormation, ARM templates, Deployment Manager
  • Configuration management with Ansible
  • Version-controlled infrastructure

Microservices & Containers

  • Docker containerization and image management
  • Kubernetes orchestration and deployments
  • Service mesh and container networking
  • Microservices architecture patterns

Deployment & Observability

  • CI/CD pipelines and automation
  • Rolling updates and blue-green deployments
  • Metrics, logging, and distributed tracing
  • High availability and fault tolerance

Certification Pathways

Students are prepared for cloud and container certifications including:

  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner & Solutions Architect
  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals & Administrator
  • Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
  • Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
  • Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
  • Docker Certified Associate

High Plains Technology Initiative provides grant assistance for cloud and container certification exam costs for eligible participants.

Real-World Projects

Students work on practical cloud projects such as:

  • Deploying multi-tier applications across AWS, Azure, and GCP
  • Building multi-cloud infrastructure with Terraform
  • Containerizing applications with Docker and orchestrating with Kubernetes
  • Implementing microservices architectures with service mesh
  • Creating CI/CD pipelines for container deployments
  • Designing high-availability multi-cloud architectures
  • Building private cloud infrastructure with OpenStack

Program Details

Time Commitment

  • Beginner Track: 5-8 hours/week for 3-4 months
  • Intermediate Track: 8-12 hours/week for 4-6 months
  • Advanced Track: 10-15 hours/week for 6+ months
  • Flexible schedule - work at your own pace

Program Cost

$0 - Completely Free

All programs, workshops, and mentorship at no cost

  • Certification exam grants available (AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes)
  • Free access to cloud lab environments
  • No hidden fees or costs

Prerequisites

  • •Required: Basic computer literacy
  • •Recommended: Linux basics (can be learned concurrently)
  • •Helpful: Command line experience
  • No prior cloud or programming experience required - we'll teach you from the ground up!

What You'll Build

  • • Multi-tier web applications on AWS, Azure, and GCP
  • • Kubernetes clusters with microservices
  • • Infrastructure-as-code with Terraform
  • • CI/CD pipelines with automated deployments
  • • High-availability architectures
  • • OpenStack private cloud environments

Program Outcomes

  • • Career-ready skills: Prepared for cloud engineer, DevOps engineer, and SRE positions
  • • Average starting salary: $65k-$85k for entry-level cloud roles in Wyoming/region
  • • Certification success: 85% of participants pass their first cloud certification exam
  • • Job placement: 90% of committed participants employed or consulting within 6 months

Ready to Build Cloud Skills?

Apply to join the High Plains Technology Initiative apprenticeship program and start working with cloud platforms, microservices, and container orchestration.

Apply Now