Meet the Trainer: Scott Pletcher
"When you find content that really connects with you, that changes everything." This philosophy guides Scott Pletcher’s approach to teaching. His own life experiences taught him that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Through his courses, Scott aims to teach learners how to learn, helping them find their own methods for discovering, exploring, and mastering new skills.
Scott brings thirty years in corporate IT leadership and a wealth of AWS and PMI certifications. Since joining CBT Nuggets, Scott has become go-to expert for AWS training. His courses, like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate, cover the essentials of cloud computing, advanced networking, and managing AWS systems.
These days, when he's not developing training content, you'll likely find Scott in his workshop, turning a pile of wood into his latest creation. We sat down with Scott to learn more about him and how he helps learners develop the skills they need to thrive.
What attracted you to technology? What inspired you to pursue a career in IT? Like many other high school students, I was stressing out over what exactly was I going to do for a career. As part of a career planning program, I took one of those assessments that is supposed to tell you what career might fit you best. My assessment results were pretty direct: I was to become a Computer Engineer. That made sense as I loved computers as a kid and physics was one of those subjects that came easy for me.
Well, one of my first courses in the Computer Engineering curriculum at my university was Calculus. Calculus, unfortunately, was one of those topics which I simply could not get… no matter how many hours I put in or how many “Calculus Made Easy” books I read. I failed that class miserably…After some self-bargaining, I crafted a Plan B. I would divert my career plans into Management Information Systems with the Business School. It still had to do with computers, but without all the advanced math. After that switch, I went from academic probation to the deans list, and absolutely loved applying technology to business challenges.
Thirty years later, that choice made all the difference. I’ve had the opportunity to work with lots of great companies and incredible people around the globe–giving me experiences that I would have never had otherwise. I’m a firm believer that things turn out the way they are supposed to happen–even through failure.
Are there any tools or features you are particularly excited about teaching? The growth of cloud computing has been nothing short of a revolution in the IT industry and the global economy in general. One of the aspects that I love about cloud computing is that the vendors are always innovating and releasing new features and services, which really keeps things from getting stale. There’s always something new to learn or some creative way to put those services to new uses.
The best part about being a trainer is…hearing all the amazing and heartwarming stories from those who have come across my content. The opportunity to help someone get that new job, earn a promotion or pull off a midlife career transition is an honor for which I am truly grateful.
What do you hope your learners take away from your courses beyond just technical knowledge? There is one constant in Information Technology: there will always be something new. So, a career in IT is going to require you to learn new technologies and innovations on a constant basis. However, I don’t think the traditional formal education pipeline does a good job yet of teaching people how to learn. I’m not talking about how to study or how to take tests, but how to really learn. That is one trait that I hope learners can develop through my courses–finding their own personal methods for discovering, exploring and internalizing new stuff.
When I’m not making CBT Nuggets videos, you’ll find me… In my woodshop! As a kid, I was moderately obsessed with how-to and DIY shows on TV. In particular, I was a big fan of This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop with Norm Abram. His shop had every woodworking tool imaginable and he could make anything...
Over the years, I’ve been slowly building out my workshop and improving my craft–through plenty of mistakes, might I add. Next up on my wood shop wish list is a wood turning lathe. Then maybe I’ll give blacksmithing a try.
I'm passionate about IT training because… I know firsthand that everyone learns differently. Once I found the right path and approach that worked for me, it was if the world unlocked and everything came into focus. No bit of knowledge or understanding is unattainable if we can find the right path. (Except maybe Quantum Computing…that stuff is STRANGE. I’m still forging my way through that forest, though. 😀)
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For IT professionals, constant evolution in the industry means you're always picking up new skills and pushing yourself. It’s challenging, but that’s what keeps the work interesting.
Scott Pletcher’s training will give you the confidence to navigate the cloud computing world—and make it your own. If you're interested in pursuing a career in the Cloud, his courses are a great place to start.
And keep an eye out—Scott’s upcoming AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate course is currently in production and will be available soon!
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