In the rapidly growing tech world, DevOps skills are in high demand, both globally and in South Africa. If you’re considering a career in this thriving field, choosing the right course can make all the difference. But with so many options, where do you start? This blog explores the best DevOps courses, their unique features, and how they align with your career goals.
Whether you’re looking for flexible learning, industry-recognized certifications, or hands-on practice, we’ll guide you through the options available. And yes, you can even learn DevOps in three months if you’re committed!
What Is DevOps and Why Does It Matter?
Before we dive into courses, let’s cover the basics. DevOps is a practice that bridges the gap between software development and IT operations, emphasizing collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement.
In South Africa, companies increasingly adopt DevOps for digital transformation, with a 30% rise in demand for skilled professionals last year alone (source). DevOps roles like engineers, release managers, and SREs offer competitive salaries, often exceeding ZAR 850,000 per year.
Key Features to Look for in a DevOps Course
The best DevOps courses offer more than just theory. Here’s what to prioritize:
- Hands-on Labs: Practical experience in tools like Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes is essential.
- Industry-Recognized Certifications: Employers value certifications such as AWS Certified DevOps Engineer and Microsoft Certified DevOps Expert.
- Interactive Learning: Quizzes, flashcards, and real-world scenarios enhance understanding.
- Career Support: Guidance for interviews, resumes, and job searches.
Which Course Is Best for DevOps?
Here’s a detailed comparison of some of the top-rated courses:
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional
- Why it’s great: Focuses on cloud-based DevOps practices, ideal for South Africa’s growing cloud adoption.
- Skills covered: CI/CD pipelines, microservices, and serverless architecture.
- Best for: Aspiring cloud DevOps engineers.
DevOps Post Graduate Program by Caltech
- Why it’s great: Offers in-depth training and hands-on labs.
- Skills covered: Infrastructure as Code, containerization, and more.
- Best for: Those seeking comprehensive, job-ready skills.
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
- Why it’s great: Tailored for professionals working in Azure environments.
- Skills covered: Agile development, infrastructure automation, and monitoring.
- Best for: Professionals targeting Azure-based DevOps roles.
Which Is the Best Platform to Learn DevOps?
With so many platforms available, here’s why Learningit.today stands out:
- Flexible Learning Options: Study at your own pace with 24/7 online access.
- Hands-on Practice: Utilize TestPrep and Hands-on Labs to gain real-world experience.
- Interactive Lessons: Engage with over 50 activities, including quizzes and flashcards.
- Accredited Certifications: Earn industry-recognized certificates to boost your resume.
Courses like Leading SAFe or SAFe for Teams are perfect for understanding Lean-Agile principles and DevOps practices.
Can You Learn DevOps in Three Months?
Yes, you can! With focused effort, three months is enough to build foundational skills in DevOps. Platforms like Learningit.today offer structured courses that make this possible.
Here’s how to maximize your time:
- Set goals: Focus on specific certifications like AWS or SAFe.
- Practice consistently: Use Hands-on Labs for real-world scenarios.
- Engage with the community: Join online forums or local meetups in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Pretoria.
Top DevOps Jobs and Their Salaries in South Africa
A DevOps certification isn’t just a piece of paper; it opens doors to lucrative careers. Here are the top roles:
- DevOps Engineer: ZAR 850,000/year
- Cloud DevOps Engineer: ZAR 900,000/year
- Release Manager: ZAR 700,000/year
- Site Reliability Engineer (SRE): ZAR 950,000/year
- Automation Engineer: ZAR 650,000/year
These roles are in high demand as South African businesses focus on automation and reliability.
Why Choose a Career in DevOps?
South Africa’s tech industry is booming, and DevOps is at the heart of this growth. Beyond the financial rewards, DevOps professionals play a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency.
Government initiatives like the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Strategy further emphasize the need for skilled tech professionals (source).
Final Thoughts
So, which is the best course for DevOps? The answer depends on your goals, but platforms like Learningit.today provide everything you need to succeed: flexible learning, hands-on training, and certifications recognized by employers.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upskill, now’s the time to invest in your future. With the right course and dedication, you’ll be ready to tackle high-demand roles in no time.
