Amazon to create 1,500 new apprenticeships as UK workforce grows

Recruitment has already started for the 1,500 roles, which include more than 200 degree-level apprenticeships. The roles will be spread across more than 40 schemes at Amazon including engineering and health and safety.

Other new schemes added this year include apprenticeships in publishing, retailing and marketing, as well as a programme focused on environment, social and corporate governance (ESG).

Amazon’s workforce in the UK now stands at 70,000, following the addition of 25,000 permanent roles across corporate functions, R&D and operations last year.

Bonus for new warehouse staff

Amazon has offered incentives to attract new employees to the company, including a £1,000 joining bonus to new warehouse staff in recent months. It also offered permanent staff at some of its UK locations an extra £50 a week if they were punctual during times of peak demand.

Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey said: “We are proud to have created so many new permanent jobs across the UK in the last year and the 1,500 apprenticeships we’re creating this year will help even more people get the skills that are in demand in today’s labour market.

“We want to be the employer that helps people take their careers to the next level, whether you’re just starting your first job or making a career change, in every community that we serve across the UK.”

Government business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Amazon’s announcement is testament to the strength of the British economy, with GDP back at pre-pandemic levels, employee numbers at record highs and unemployment falling.

“With the vast majority of Amazon’s workforce located outside of London and the southeast, these additional 25,000 jobs highlight the success of our Plan for Jobs in helping to ensure greater opportunities across the country.”

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