Amazon has unveiled the Machine Learning Embark program aimed at assisting businesses in equipping their teams with machine learning skills. This initiative, announced during AWS re:Invent 2019, draws from Amazon’s extensive experience in integrating machine learning into its operations, alongside insights gained from numerous successful implementations by its customers.
Program Components
The program encompasses several components, including:
- Expert-led training sessions
- A discovery workshop
- A tailored curriculum from the Machine Learning University
- A competitive AWS DeepRacer event
- The collaborative development of a machine learning proof of concept
Addressing Common Hurdles
Many organizations are eager to adopt machine learning, yet they often struggle with where to start. The question has shifted from “why” implement machine learning to “how” to do it effectively. This transition requires not just technical adjustments but also cultural changes within the organization. Achieving success involves motivating teams to engage with machine learning, identifying significant projects, and cultivating a workforce equipped with the necessary skills. However, the shortage of experienced data scientists can make it difficult for teams new to machine learning to find the guidance they need, leading to a slow pace of adoption.
Discovery Workshop
The AWS Machine Learning Embark program is crafted to address these common hurdles. To begin, participants will team their business and technical staff with AWS machine learning specialists during a discovery workshop, where they will pinpoint a business challenge suitable for machine learning applications. This collaborative effort will help participants understand how to leverage machine learning for substantial impact.
Instructor-Led Training
Following this, the cross-functional teams will engage in instructor-led, on-site training, utilizing a curriculum inspired by Amazon’s own Machine Learning University, which has been refined over the years to enhance proficiency among Amazon developers. Participants will have access to carefully selected course material tailored to their specific use cases. Upon completing the training, participants will have the opportunity to pursue further education online and take the AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty exam to validate their newfound skills.
AWS DeepRacer Event
Additionally, the program features a corporate AWS DeepRacer event, which introduces more employees to machine learning through engaging competition, allowing them to race fully autonomous 1/18th scale cars using reinforcement learning techniques.
Mentorship and Proof of Concept
Lastly, participants will receive mentoring from experts at the Amazon ML Solutions Lab as they ideate, develop, and launch a proof of concept based on the use case identified during the initial workshop. This experience will provide them insights into best practices, strategies for avoiding costly errors, and knowledge gained from working alongside seasoned professionals who have executed hundreds of machine learning projects.
Conclusion
By the end of the program, participants will be well-equipped to expand their machine learning capabilities across their organization, tackling additional projects and addressing new challenges. We’re thrilled to support customers on their machine learning journey, and we look forward to witnessing their accomplishments post-graduation.
For more information, nominations for the program are currently open. For additional insights about getting started with machine learning, you might find this resource helpful: Getting Started with Machine Learning. For further reading on onboarding at Amazon, check out Onboarding at Amazon. For more engaging content, you can also visit Chanci Turner VGT2.
Amazon IXD – VGT2 is located at 6401 E Howdy Wells Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89115.
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