Breaking into Data Engineering

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your first job in data engineering, you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve received countless messages from graduates and career changers asking, “How do I break into data engineering?” With more than 15 years in the industry and as the founder of Cloud Shuttle and DataEngBytes, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and hiring aspiring data engineers.

In fact, as part of our journey at Cloud Shuttle, I’ve personally coached over 10 individuals, helping them land their first job in data engineering and guiding them towards careers at companies like TikTok, top Australian consultancies, and global MNCs. But I realised—there's only so much I can do one-on-one.

That’s why we launched the Cloud Shuttle Graduate Data Engineering Workshop—a structured, 5-day paid training program designed to give you practical, job-ready skills and a direct pathway into the industry.

Data engineering roles have seen consistent growth in recent years. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Jobs on the Rise Report, the demand for data engineers has increased at a compound annual growth rate of over 30% since 2019. The Tech Council of Australia estimates that the country needs to fill approximately 653,000 tech jobs by 2030, many of which will be in data-related fields.

Yet, despite this demand, many fresh graduates struggle to land their first data engineering job. Why? Because most university programs focus on theory rather than real-world, hands-on experience.

This workshop is designed to bridge that gap.

This workshop is specifically designed for:

• Recent graduates with a technical background
• Students in their final year of studies looking for a competitive edge
• Career switchers interested in moving into data engineering
• Aspiring data engineers struggling to land their first job

If you’ve applied for 100+ jobs with no success, it’s time to take a new approach. Just having a degree isn’t enough anymore—companies want hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving skills.

Read: 5 things you should know for a career in data engineering

Unlike traditional courses that focus solely on concepts, this workshop is designed to mimic what actual data engineers do daily. Over 5 days, you’ll:

• Build an End-to-End ETL Pipeline using Python, SQL, and Airflow
• Work with Real-World Data in AWS or GCP
• Learn Cloud Platforms & Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Create Portfolio-Worthy Projects that impress hiring managers
• Receive Resume, LinkedIn & Interview Coaching

Each day is designed to give practical, hands-on experience:

• Day 1: Foundations of Modern Data Engineering
• Day 2: Cloud Platforms and Infrastructure
• Day 3: Data Pipelines and ETL Processes
• Day 4: Best Practices and Real-World Scenarios
• Day 5: Career Preparation and Job Search Strategies

By the end of the program, you will have not only the technical skills but also the confidence and portfolio to apply for real jobs.

The timing couldn’t be better. With companies increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making, organisations are actively seeking fresh talent with practical data engineering skills. A recent study indicates that 65% of hiring managers are open to selecting candidates based on their skills rather than traditional educational backgrounds.

Additionally, more than 50% of data engineers get hired through referrals, making networking and mentorship critical parts of the job search process. This workshop provides you with both—skills and an industry network.

To further assist you in your journey, here are some valuable resources:

• My Journey from a Business Management Student to a Data Engineer – An inspiring story of transitioning into data engineering.
• Data Engineering for Beginners (YouTube Video) – A comprehensive introduction to the field.
• Why So Many Entry-Level Jobs Aren't Entry-Level – Understanding the challenges and how to overcome them.

The Registration for the Cloud Shuttle Graduate Data Engineering Workshop is set to launch soon. To stay updated and learn more about the workshop details, visit: Cloud Shuttle Graduate Data Engineering Workshop

This is your chance to gain practical skills, build a standout portfolio, and get one step closer to your first data engineering job.

See you in the workshop!

—Peter Founder, Cloud Shuttle & DataEngBytes