Amazon UK is set to create 1,500 apprenticeships in Britain this year.
The expansion of the giant online retailer’s programme includes more than 200 degree-level apprenticeships and about 40 different schemes, from engineering to health, safety and environment technicians.
Thirteen new schemes for 2022 include publishing, retailing, marketing and a programme focused on environmental, social and corporate governance.
Amazon also said yesterday that it had increased its permanent UK workforce by 25,000 in 2021 and now had more than 70,000 employees in the country.
The $1.5 trillion technology group has interests spanning groceries, internet advertising and video and music streaming. Through its Amazon Web Services division, the Seattle-based business is also the world’s biggest cloud computing company.
John Boumphrey, Amazon UK’s manager, 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 to 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.”
Kwasi Kwarteng, the business secretary, 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.”