As a veteran and someone coming back from a serious accident, Steven’s used logistics as a means to turn his life around. It’s meant completing a big learning curve and becoming a fully qualified class 1 driver:

“They made me feel comfortable, so that I was learning all the time. No question is stupid – it’s just a matter of speaking to those around you.”

Steven credits the job, and the new career direction, with giving him a major boost.

“I’ve never been happier, truthfully. It’s made me a better person. To anyone who’s been down and depressed like me, I’d just tell them not to give up and to embrace opportunities you may get.”

For Evelina, the decision to apply to Amazon’s apprenticeship scheme was life changing. Having previously worked as a freelance nail technician, and an operations manager at a cleaning company, the opportunity to earn while she learned, obtaining new qualifications and skills, was all she needed to make the career switch.

Evelina joined the retail company as a packer, in a bid to gain new experiences and opportunities she couldn’t access before. One of her managers spotted her talent and encouraged her to apply for the Business Improvement Techniques Programme (BIT).

“I was looking to improve my English and also grow my confidence. I decided that an apprenticeship would help me to improve my knowledge and grow within Amazon. I believe that taking the decision to apply for the BIT programme changed my life, it’s helped me to grow both professionally and personally.”

After successful completion of the Amazon Level 2 Business Improvements Apprenticeship, Evelina went on to complete the Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship with a distinction, allowing her to secure a permanent area management role, with another promotion a year later.

“At Amazon, you are always being encouraged to grow and succeed, and the apprenticeship has greatly improved my confidence. To anyone thinking about signing up, I say just apply!”

Ryan knew he wanted a fast paced career, but he wasn’t sure exactly where that would be.

“I never wanted to go to university. After college I got a job as an Assistant Manager at Costa Coffee, and this meant that I would end up speaking to my current employer (Kuehne+Nagel) on a daily basis to place orders. I began to think that logistics might be a good career option for myself”

He didn’t have any industry experience, but secured a Bid Management Apprenticeship with Kuehne+Nagel, which then led to a full time position and ultimately, to an exciting new opportunity in Australia.

“I came across a job listing for an Excellence Manager with Kuehne+Nagel Australia and reached out to express my interest. I had a job offer within three weeks and moved to Melbourne within six.” 

Ryan’s role entails supporting Account Managers with tender management, continuous improvement, business reviews and other tasks on behalf of customers. Even though his role would normally require a degree, because he had completed his apprenticeship and also had a Level 3 BTEC he was deemed to have the required credentials. Which proved to be a good call:

“I was recognised in the Multimodal 30 Under 30 Awards, and given the opportunity to be a guest panellist at the Multimodal Convention at the NEC. It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to share my passion for the industry with such a large audience.”