Amazon to expand its number of apprentices

AMAZON is expanding its apprenticeship scheme at its Leicestershire distribution centres.

The company said there will be dozens of new roles at its Kegworth and Coalville bases in the coming year. Across the UK, more than 1,500 roles will be created.

More than 500 apprenticeships will be offered to existing Amazon employees to retrain, with additional opportunities for military families through Forces Family Jobs.

Alex Mitton, from Leicester, left his job as a kitchen manager to join Amazon.

The mechatronics engineering apprentice said he was initially worried about his lack of experience in engineering.

He said: “If you’re nervous about applying for an apprenticeship at Amazon due to lack of experience, I would encourage you not to let that get in your way.

“If you have interest and drive you can succeed.

“I’m so pleased that I took the chance and joined Amazon when I did.”

John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon, said: “We are very proud to be providing opportunities for upskilling and retraining for people of all ages, at all stages of their careers, helping to address skills gaps and increase social mobility.

“After the success of last year’s programme, we are pleased to be expanding to new regions across the UK and in new disciplines like corporate responsibility and sustainability.

“Amidst a backdrop of skills shortages across the country, apprenticeships are key to equipping people with the skills they need to progress in the modern labour market.”

The company offers more than 40 apprenticeship schemes, ranging from entry level to degree level, including in corporate responsibility and sustainability, marketing, creative digital design, broadcast production and engineering.

For more information, or to apply for an Amazon apprenticeship, go to: