Amazon is celebrating National Learning at Work Week (13 – 19 May) by urging staff at its fulfilment centres, customer service centres, and delivery stations to sign up for a programme that offers funded, nationally-recognised training courses aimed at developing their career.

The Amazon Career Choice programme encourages Amazon associates to pursue training and qualifications in high-demand fields such as engineering, IT, computer science, mechanical and electrical trades, healthcare, construction, transportation, logistics, accounting and more, even if that means a career outside of Amazon.

I’m 53 years old and I honestly believed that my school and college days were over
Paul Jones

Amazon pre-pays 95% of tuition and associated fees for the nationally-recognised courses, up to £8,000 over four years.

Paul Jones from Worksop is one of hundreds of Amazon associates that has taken part in the programme. He is now encouraging his fellow employees to get involved.

Paul has worked with Amazon since 2015 and has completed the National General Certificate in Occupational Health (NEBOSH) and Safety at North Notts College through the Amazon Career Choice Programme.

“I’m 53 years old and I honestly believed that my school and college days were over. However, when I learned about the Amazon Career Choice programme, I knew that it was an unmissable opportunity to learn new skills and I decided to go for it.”

“I’ve been working for more than 30 years and I’ve never worked for a company that will pay for 95% of a course to help you further your career either with them, or somewhere else. I find it remarkable and I’ve told everyone at Amazon in Doncaster to sign up. Why wouldn’t you do it – it’s amazing.”

“My involvement in the Career Choice programme is part of my goal to one day become a health and safety manager in an Amazon fulfilment centre. I really enjoy working at Amazon. The company has been great to me and I hope to work here for many years to come.”

Ajit Sah, Site Leader at Amazon in Doncaster Balby Carr Bank, said: “We want everyone at Amazon to pursue their dream job and that’s what the Amazon Career Choice programme is all about. We believe that of all our associates should have the opportunity to develop their skills and that’s why we’re offering funded training courses in a range of interests and industries. I’m looking forward to seeing the latest group of recruits join the Amazon Career Choice programme and congratulate Paul and his colleagues on their achievements.”

Amazon was recently named by LinkedIn as the top company in the UK to work for. The LinkedIn Top Companies List 2019, draws on billions of actions taken by LinkedIn members to identify the top companies “where UK professionals want to work now”, taking into account four main pillars: interest in the company, engagement with the company’s employees, job demand and employee retention.

If a career at Amazon sounds right for you, explore our vacancies here.