How Do I Become a Cloud Engineer With No Experience?
Let’s face it—becoming a cloud engineer with no experience might sound like climbing a mountain with no map. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a tech genius or hold a computer science degree to get started. More and more people are breaking into this high-paying, future-proof career from non-tech backgrounds. All it takes is curiosity, consistency, and the right path.
🚀 What Is a Cloud Engineer?
A cloud engineer is someone who builds and manages cloud-based systems. Instead of working with physical hardware, they use platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to run websites, apps, and data storage—all online.
From Netflix streaming to your bank’s mobile app, cloud engineers are the folks making sure everything runs smoothly in the digital world.
✅ What Does It Take to Become a Cloud Engineer?
You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience, but some essential qualities and skills help, including:
• A genuine interest in technology
• Willingness to learn and solve problems
• Basic computer literacy (using a computer, navigating websites)
• Ability to think logically and pay attention to detail
• Communication and teamwork skills
Once you’ve got those basics, the rest—like certifications and experience—can be built over time.
💡 How to Start With No Experience
1.Learn the Basics
Start by understanding the core ideas of cloud computing. You don’t need to jump into coding right away. Learn things like:
• What is cloud computing?
• What are virtual machines?
• What’s the difference between public and private cloud?
Great beginner resources include:
• Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning
• Local Canadian colleges like George Brown College or BCIT
2.Choose a Cloud Platform to Focus On
Most people start with one platform. AWS and Azure are the most popular and beginner-friendly.
• Start with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
• These certifications are affordable, easy to prepare for, and recognized by employers
3.Get Hands-On Experience
You don’t need a job to start practicing:
• Practice with AWS account
• Try deploying a website or a small database
• Join GitHub to share what you’ve built
Even simple projects help you stand out.
4.Level Up With Certifications
Once you’re comfortable, go for intermediate-level certifications:
• AWS Solutions Architect
• Microsoft Azure Administrator
• Google Associate Cloud Engineer
These can open doors to better-paying jobs.
5.Apply for Entry-Level Roles
Look for roles like:
• Cloud Support Associate
• Junior DevOps Engineer
• IT Technician with Cloud Skills
Employers are looking for learners, not perfection.
💰 Salary & Benefits (Updated With 2024 Job Bank Data)
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank (December 3, 2024):
• Low wage: $33.46/hour
• Median wage: $53.85/hour
• High wage: $84.62/hour
That means even beginners can earn over $65,000/year, while experienced cloud engineers can make more than $175,000/year.
Benefits are the employer-provided advantages beyond wages and salaries. These may include, but are not limited to:
• Employer-sponsored pension plans
• Dental, medical, and life insurance programs
• Leave entitlements such as maternity, parental, or compassionate care leave
• Paid sick days and vacation leave
• Payroll taxes such as employer contributions to Employment Insurance (EI), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
🌿 Special Program: SSC Indigenous IT Apprenticeship (Canada)
If you’re an Indigenous person in Canada and want to enter tech, there’s a 24-month IT apprenticeship program supported by Shared Services Canada (SSC).
Highlights:
• Salary starts at $29 to $33/hour, depending on the hiring department’s collective agreement
• Full-time work: 37.5 hours per week
• Support throughout the program, including mentorship
• Minimum service commitment applies, and apprentices may be required to repay training costs if they leave early (details provided upon entry)
This is a valuable opportunity to gain full-time IT experience and grow in the cloud or cybersecurity space.
🌟 Real-Life Story: Daniel’s Path to the Cloud
Daniel, a 32-year-old from Toronto, spent 8 years working in retail. During the pandemic, he felt stuck and wanted change. He enrolled in a cloud engineering bootcamp offered by a career training institute in Ontario.
With no IT background, he started with the AWS Cloud Practitioner certificate, followed online tutorials, and built small projects in his free time.
Within 9 months, he got hired as a Cloud Support Analyst. Today, he’s a Cloud Infrastructure Engineer earning over CAD $95,000/year, working hybrid with 3 days remote.
Conclusion
Breaking into cloud engineering without experience might feel intimidating—but it’s absolutely possible. The industry is growing fast, the pay is solid, and the support is out there if you know where to look. Whether you’re fresh out of school, switching careers, or just curious about tech, there’s a place for you in the cloud.