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Five things you need to know when applying for an Amazon apprenticeship

7 min
Animated image of three people looking at a yellow lightbulb
We spoke with Amazon apprentices and apprenticeship managers for their insights on all you need to know when applying for apprenticeships at Amazon.

Amazon has one of the largest and most diverse apprenticeship programmes, with opportunities for individuals of all ages and at different career stages. We offer apprenticeships in various fields, such as engineering, cyber security, broadcast production and digital marketing.

The demand for apprenticeships is rising and making the right decisions at the start of your career can be daunting. So, we’ve gathered key insights from apprentices and apprenticeship managers to help anyone aspiring to be an Amazon apprentice.

PAGE OVERVIEW
Liz Kingston – UK Apprentice Talent Attraction Manager
  • TABLE OF CONTENTS
    Liz Kingston – UK Apprentice Talent Attraction Manager
  • Liz Kingston – UK Apprentice Talent Attraction Manager
  • Samantha Nash-Wilson – Senior Apprenticeship Programme Manager
  • Oskar Ringwelski – Creative Design Apprentice
  • Jasmine Shum – Marketing Executive Apprentice
  • Jessica Preece – Control and Automation Engineering Apprentice
We spoke with Amazon apprentices and apprenticeship managers for their insights on all you need to know when applying for apprenticeships at Amazon.

Amazon has one of the largest and most diverse apprenticeship programmes, with opportunities for individuals of all ages and at different career stages. We offer apprenticeships in various fields, such as engineering, cyber security, broadcast production and digital marketing.

The demand for apprenticeships is rising and making the right decisions at the start of your career can be daunting. So, we’ve gathered key insights from apprentices and apprenticeship managers to help anyone aspiring to be an Amazon apprentice.

  • Think about what motivates and inspires you
    Liz Kingston – UK Apprentice Talent Attraction Manager
    A woman in a white background

    Liz has worked in the recruitment industry for over twenty years and is now a member of a team that selects, attracts, and recruits apprentices. One of Liz’s key goals is to change the stereotypes around apprenticeships and encourage anyone including school leavers, career breakers and career leavers to consider apprenticeships.

    “If you’re considering an apprenticeship at Amazon, it is important to think about what motivates and inspires you. Amazon has so many career paths to choose from, so make sure to express your interest in the specific apprenticeship programme you want to join. Do some research on the programme and show that you’re enthusiastic about learning and taking ownership of your growth. Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with Amazon's Leadership Principles to prepare for any assessments or interviews.”

  • Show your fullest commitment and your willingness to give it all you got
    Samantha Nash-Wilson – Senior Apprenticeship Programme Manager
    A young woman smiling in a white room

    Samantha is a Senior Apprenticeship Programme Manager with over seven years of experience working with apprentices. In her role, Samantha supports apprentices throughout the duration of their programme, works with training providers to ensure programmes are delivered to a high standard and prepares business leads in Amazon to onboard apprentices onto their teams.

    “We’re looking for people who want to actively contribute to teams and aren’t afraid to say, ‘I might not know how to do this, but I am willing to learn, give it my all and never let you down’. It all ties back to Amazon’s Leadership Principles particularly Ownership and Learn and Be Curious which every Amazonian uses. Lastly, we want to see your commitment to the apprenticeship programme, developing yourself and getting your qualification.”

  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions
    Oskar Ringwelski – Creative Design Apprentice
    A young man stands in front of a blue background

    As a Creative Design Apprentice with Amazon Fashion, Oskar has immersed himself in the exciting world of e-commerce and design. So far, he’s collaborated on creative projects, learnt from industry experts in work and university, honed his problem-solving skills and expanded his professional network.

    “Embrace questions! It’s important to know that there are no stupid questions if you want to keep learning and growing. From the interview stage to when you begin, don’t hesitate to ask any questions - it's how you prepare for a successful Amazon apprenticeship journey."

  • Highlight your transferrable skills
    Jasmine Shum – Marketing Executive Apprentice
    A young woman stands in front of the Prime sign

    Jasmine joined Amazon as a school leaver after deciding that university wasn’t the right option for her. Three months into her marketing executive apprenticeship, she is loving the learning opportunities and feels like another member of the team with real responsibilities. Here's her tip for those leaving school and changing their education trajectory:

    “Think about any prior experience that highlights your transferable skills like teamwork, communication or problem-solving and make sure it applies to the position at Amazon. For example, my experience as a waitress gave me great interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a team and manage different tasks independently. In my interview, I was able to explain how those skills were transferable to my role at Amazon and how they would be of great benefit to my team.”

  • Give the best account of yourself
    Jessica Preece – Control and Automation Engineering Apprentice
    Amazon Apprentice Jessica Preece

    Jessica joined Amazon three years ago after completing her A-levels and is entering the final year of her degree apprenticeship. Her current role involves maintaining, repairing, and improving mechanical and electrical systems. Jess works alongside a team of highly skilled automation engineers who push her to think ‘outside the box’ every day and constantly look for new ideas to make their site more efficient.

    “There is a lot of competition for apprenticeship roles at Amazon so it is essential that you give the best account of yourself possible. Play to your strengths in the application and ask ‘what makes me unique?’ Also, make sure to explain why you are interested in the role, and how you can contribute to Amazon."

Apply to the 2024 Amazon apprenticeships with over 1,000 new roles

Amazon is expanding its apprenticeship programme by adding 1,000 new full-time positions across the UK this year. We’re recruiting for different schemes including engineering, and project management and introducing two new schemes – digital product manager apprenticeship and commercial procurement and supply apprenticeship.

We spoke to Boubacar Diallo, a Chartered Management Degree Apprentice working at the Amazon Fulfilment Centre in Dartford, UK.

A young man in an orange hi-vis vest smiling and typing on a laptop
Boubacar Diallo at an Amazon Fulfilment Centre

Boubacar moved from Italy to the UK to study business management but knew he would have to work while studying. He joined Amazon to get a head start while he figured out which university to attend and that’s where he first came across apprenticeships. After getting a permanent job at Amazon in Dunstable, Boubacar quickly progressed to a team lead position.

He then moved to Dartford and began the Operational Department Apprenticeship which he viewed as a “dream come true” to work and gain a qualification at the same time.

Boubacar is now an area manager at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dartford, studying to further boost his management skills.

“There is no limit to your progression at Amazon – whatever you want to do is up to you. Doing an apprenticeship at Amazon has allowed me to gain business experience while getting the support I need to be a good leader.”

Interested candidates can apply to Amazon’s apprenticeships here.

  • PAGE OVERVIEW
  • 1
    Liz Kingston – UK Apprentice Talent Attraction Manager
  • 2
    Samantha Nash-Wilson – Senior Apprenticeship Programme Manager
  • 3
    Oskar Ringwelski – Creative Design Apprentice
  • 4
    Jasmine Shum – Marketing Executive Apprentice
  • 5
    Jessica Preece – Control and Automation Engineering Apprentice