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Cloud Computing & Azure Fundamentals

Most organisations in Wales are now cloud-first. Build the foundational Azure skills every employer screens for — virtual machines, networking, security and identity.

Free after redundancy in Wales with Welsh Government ReAct+ funding

Check if you qualify Download course info (PDF)
5 daysAbout 40 hours, 9am to 5pm
BeginnerLevel
Maesteg or onlineLlynfi Enterprise Centre or live online
£0With ReAct+ funding

What you'll learn on the Azure Cloud Fundamentals course.

Cloud computing underpins almost every modern IT role. Whether you end up in support, development, security or architecture, Azure fundamentals are the entry ticket.

This five-day course walks you through the Azure platform from the ground up — by Friday you'll have built live environments, configured virtual machines, and understand the cloud services that run modern businesses.

No prior cloud experience needed. If you've used a computer and understand what a server does at a basic level, you're ready.

40hIntensive training
5Hands-on labs
3Portfolio deliverables
1:6Tutor ratio max

Five days, one step at a time.

Mornings are taught sessions. Afternoons are hands-on labs where you build something real.

  1. Day 1

    Cloud Concepts & Azure Portal

    What cloud computing actually is, the major models, and your first hands-on session in the Azure portal.

    • Cloud computing fundamentals
    • IaaS, PaaS, SaaS models
    • Azure regions & availability zones
    • Azure portal navigation
    • Resource groups & subscriptions
    • Azure CLI introduction

    LabSet up your Azure environment and deploy your first resource

  2. Day 2

    Virtual Machines & Compute

    The workhorse of cloud — creating, configuring and managing virtual machines and compute services.

    • Creating virtual machines
    • VM sizes & pricing tiers
    • Azure App Service
    • Azure Functions (serverless)
    • Containers & ACI basics
    • Scaling & load balancing

    LabDeploy and configure a web application on Azure App Service

  3. Day 3

    Networking & Storage

    Virtual networks, storage accounts, DNS — the invisible infrastructure that connects everything in the cloud.

    • Virtual networks & subnets
    • Network security groups
    • Azure DNS
    • Storage accounts & blob storage
    • Azure Files & Disk Storage
    • Content delivery networks

    LabBuild a virtual network with secure communication between VMs

  4. Day 4

    Identity & Security

    Azure Active Directory, role-based access, and the security principles that protect cloud environments.

    • Azure Active Directory (Entra ID)
    • Users, groups & roles
    • Role-based access control (RBAC)
    • Multi-factor authentication
    • Azure Key Vault
    • Microsoft Defender for Cloud

    LabConfigure identity and access management for an organisation

  5. Day 5

    Deployment & Cost Management

    ARM templates, cost analysis, and the governance tools that keep cloud deployments under control.

    • ARM templates & Bicep
    • Azure Monitor & alerts
    • Cost management & budgets
    • Azure Policy & compliance
    • Tagging strategies
    • Exam preparation overview

    CapstoneDeploy a complete environment using infrastructure-as-code

Learner configuring Microsoft Azure cloud services on the free Azure Cloud Fundamentals course

Three real projects for your CV.

You leave with work you can show an employer, not just a certificate.

  • Live Azure Environment

    A fully configured Azure environment with VMs, networking, storage and identity — built by you, running live.

  • Cloud Migration Project Plan

    A documented plan for migrating a traditional on-premises setup to Azure — the deliverable hiring managers love.

  • AZ-900 Exam Readiness

    Comprehensive preparation for the Microsoft AZ-900 certification exam with practice questions and study guide.

Is this course right for you?

Best for: IT support, career changers, graduates.

This is for you if…

  • You want to break into cloud computing from any background
  • IT support staff wanting to upskill into cloud roles
  • Career changers interested in infrastructure or DevOps
  • You understand basic computing concepts
  • You want a career with strong salary growth and demand

It's probably not for you if…

  • You already hold AZ-104 or equivalent Azure certifications
  • You want advanced cloud architecture (AZ-305 level)
  • You need AWS-specific training
  • You have zero computer literacy

Your next chapter starts a week on Monday.

Five days is all it takes. Check you qualify, then reserve your place on the next Azure Cloud Fundamentals course.

Reserve my place Check if you qualify