SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The city of South Bend announced a partnership with Google Cloud on Monday which provides 500 local job seekers with free access to a Google Cloud Skills Boost program.

Those selected will be trained with opportunities to upskill any previous experience and get certified in cloud computing.

They'll also have the opportunity to ask questions or ask for advice from Google Cloud engineers.

Participants will also receive a support toolkit from Google Cloud.

The new program opportunity is open to any St. Joseph County resident that has a high school diploma and is at least 18-years-old.

Officials with the city of South Bend say that this program is being offered due to the nation-wide increase of utilizing cloud computing technology to strengthen organizations.

"This partnership with Google Cloud will help residents get on a no-cost path to a cloud computing career at a time when the field is rapidly growing,” said Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment. “This will help residents prepare to take the next step in their career with Google Cloud Skills Boost and will pave the way to build in-demand skills.”

Those interested in applying for Upskill SB can do so here.