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!”

Samantha’s first role in the sector was in the warehouse, picking and packing initially before becoming a PG (Process Guide). It was then that she started to understand the full range of opportunities available to her:

“I applied for the apprenticeship while working as a PG and got a place a year after starting with Amazon.”

The Level 3 engineering technician apprenticeship means she has one year of study in Coventry before another three years of learning on-site.

“We have a selection of modules to study but also have access to different opportunities and support. My proudest moment was speaking on stage at the FANUC open week event, which was streamed to thousands of people, promoting apprenticeships and speaking about the study I was currently doing.”

Samantha also won one of the monthly awards from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) designed to support students, recognising her willingness to go the ‘extra mile’.

Ultimately Samantha has been able to forge a career from what was initially just a job, developing her skills and capabilities along the way. 

“My public speaking and confidence have improved with the opportunities at Amazon. I’ve also made significant connections with other people in the business, especially the organisations representing women in engineering – who offer so much support!”