Kmart will train its entire IT workforce with AWS cloud skills.
The discount retailer will implement AWS Skills Guild, a specialised training program for cloud, AI and machine learning skills.
Staff will be able to design, deploy and operate infrastructure and applications on the public cloud, delivered by AWS certified instructors either online or in a classroom.
The retailer plans to use these new skills for in-store applications such as predicting buying patterns, managing stock and allowing items to be rerouted.
Kmart has committed to training 100 percent of its IT staff through the guild, branded internally as "SPARK", along with 80 percent of its non-technical head office staff. In total, 1400 staff will receive training before the end of the year in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China and India. Employees will have access to more than 20 hours of training.
Kmart CTO Michael Fagan said the company would soon become one of the first major retailers to certify all IT staff in cloud technologies.
“We are using new technology to increase efficiency and achieve scale, which was previously impossible. For example, we are now able to leverage AWS data platforms, including RedShift, to gain better and faster insights about our products and their demand across our network,” said Fagan.
AWS Australia managing director Paul Migliorini added: “Our customers tell us that a key driver of successful cloud adoption is creating a strong skills foundation to support its uptake internally. In launching the SPARK program to technical and non-technical employees, Kmart Group is enabling its team to continue to focus on innovating and delivering improved experiences for their customers.”
Kmart joins the likes of NAB, Insurance Australia Group and Australia Post in implanting Skills Guild programs. AWS has also worked with other retail fixtures such as David Jones, Country Road, Officeworks, The Super Retail group, The Iconic and Mecca on digital transformation programs.
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