Cloud Computing · Google Cloud (GCP)

Get Started with Google Cloud

Learn the core Google Cloud services, from projects, IAM and networking to compute, storage and Google Cloud's data and analytics offerings, and how to operate them securely.

  • Google Cloud fundamentals and projects
  • IAM, networking and compute
  • Storage and managed services
  • Data, analytics and operations

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Course overview

About This Course

Google Cloud (GCP) introduces the core services of Google's cloud platform, including the data and analytics services it is widely known for.

Google Cloud is used by organisations of every size, particularly for data, analytics and container-based workloads. Understanding its building blocks broadens your cloud skills beyond a single provider.

You will learn how Google Cloud organises resources, how to manage identity and access, how to build networks and run compute, how to store data and use managed services, and how to monitor and secure your environment.

This course is part of our Cloud Computing learning paths, alongside Microsoft Azure and AWS. Cloud Security builds on it.

Who it is for

Who Should Take This Course?

  • Beginners in cloud

    You are new to cloud computing and want to learn Google Cloud from the start.

  • Data and analytics professionals

    You want to use Google Cloud's data and analytics services.

  • Developers

    You build applications and want to deploy them on Google Cloud.

  • Cloud professionals adding a platform

    You know another cloud and want to work with Google Cloud too.

Learning outcomes

What You Will Learn

By working through the course, you will build towards being able to:

  • Explain how Google Cloud organises resources with organisations, folders and projects.

  • Manage access with Google Cloud IAM roles and service accounts.

  • Design VPC networks with subnets, firewall rules and load balancing.

  • Run workloads on Compute Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine and Cloud Run.

  • Choose between Cloud Storage, Cloud SQL and other managed storage services.

  • Describe Google Cloud's data and analytics services, including BigQuery.

  • Monitor, secure and architect workloads using Google Cloud's operations tools.

Curriculum

Course Curriculum

The course is organised into modules. Session order and depth may vary by training arrangement.

  1. Module 1: Google Cloud fundamentals

    Core cloud ideas and how Google Cloud is organised.

    Topics covered include

    • Regions and zones
    • Organisations, folders and projects
    • Billing accounts and budgets
    • The Cloud Console and gcloud CLI

    Practical activity: Set up a sample project structure and budget alert.

  2. Module 2: Identity and access

    Control access to Google Cloud resources.

    Topics covered include

    • Google Cloud IAM roles
    • Service accounts
    • Resource hierarchy and policy inheritance
    • Least privilege

    Practical activity: Grant least-privilege access to a sample team and application.

  3. Module 3: Compute and networking

    Run workloads and connect them securely.

    Topics covered include

    • Compute Engine
    • Google Kubernetes Engine and Cloud Run at an introductory level
    • VPC networks, subnets and firewall rules
    • Cloud Load Balancing

    Practical activity: Deploy a sample containerised application and expose it through a load balancer.

  4. Module 4: Storage and managed services

    Store data and use managed services to reduce operational work.

    Topics covered include

    • Cloud Storage classes
    • Persistent disks
    • Cloud SQL and Firestore
    • Pub/Sub messaging

    Practical activity: Choose storage and messaging services for a sample event-driven application.

  5. Module 5: Data and analytics services

    An introduction to Google Cloud's data platform.

    Topics covered include

    • BigQuery fundamentals
    • Loading and querying data
    • Dataflow and Dataproc at a conceptual level
    • Looker Studio for reporting

    Practical activity: Load a sample dataset into BigQuery and answer questions with SQL.

  6. Module 6: Monitoring, security and architecture

    Operate Google Cloud workloads securely and reliably.

    Topics covered include

    • Cloud Monitoring and Cloud Logging
    • Security Command Center overview
    • Organisation policies
    • Architecture good practice

    Practical activity: Set up monitoring and logging for the sample application and review its security settings.

Practical learning

Hands-On Learning

Practical work builds and operates a sample environment on Google Cloud. Examples of activities include:

Hands-on work uses a Google Cloud environment. Whether an environment is provided, or you use your own account (and any costs involved), will be explained when you enquire.

  • Structuring projects and assigning IAM roles
  • Deploying applications to Google Cloud compute
  • Loading and querying data in BigQuery
  • Setting up monitoring and logging

Before you start

Prerequisites and Learning Requirements

  • Recommended background

    No prior cloud experience is needed.

  • Technical prerequisites

    Basic IT knowledge such as networking basics, operating systems and using a command line is helpful. Basic SQL helps with the data and analytics module.

  • Software and tools

    A computer with a reliable internet connection for live online sessions. Access to a Google Cloud environment is needed for hands-on work; the options will be confirmed when you enquire.

  • Prior experience

    Suitable as a first cloud course for learners with basic IT knowledge.

Learning Format

IT Champion Hub offers live, instructor-led online training and workshops. Formats, duration and schedules vary by course and are not the same for every program.

  • Live online sessions led by an instructor
  • Practical activities alongside explanations
  • Upcoming batches and schedules shared on enquiry

Enquire to find out the formats and upcoming batches available for this course. Enquire about this course

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior cloud experience?

No. The course starts with cloud fundamentals. Basic IT knowledge is helpful.

Do I need a Google Cloud account?

Hands-on work needs access to a Google Cloud environment. We'll explain the options, and any costs involved, when you enquire.

Is this a Google Cloud certification course?

No. The course focuses on practical Google Cloud skills. It is not an official Google Cloud certification course.

How much data and analytics is covered?

One module introduces Google Cloud's data and analytics services, including BigQuery. For in-depth data engineering, see our Data Engineering learning paths.

How can I enquire about upcoming training?

Select Enquire About This Course. The enquiry form will note that you are asking about Google Cloud (GCP), and we'll get back to you with upcoming batches and available schedules.

Ready to Explore This Learning Path?

Have questions about the curriculum, prerequisites, or training arrangements? Get in touch with IT Champion Hub to discuss your learning goals.

Ask about Google Cloud (GCP) on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)