Nicola Elliott is a process automation apprentice working at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Bolton. She started her apprenticeship with Amazon in 2017 and is working towards a qualification to become a process automation engineer after four years of training study with Amazon and Trafford College.
“One of the things I enjoy most about the Amazon Apprenticeship programme is that every day is varied," said Nicola.
"The first year of the apprenticeship was residential-based, where we studied full-time at college. The course was really enjoyable and it was great having the opportunity to live with my fellow apprentices. I am now based on-site at Amazon in Bolton. It has been great to meet the team and to put into practice some of the things we learned at college.”
The course was really enjoyable and it was great having the opportunity to live with my fellow apprentices
“My working day at Amazon has so much variety. It usually starts with an update from the RME team. From then, my day is mixed between shadowing and helping the automation engineers, to working on my own projects or using the time to gain further knowledge required for the role.”
Speaking on why she applied for an apprenticeship with Amazon, Nicola said: "Amazon is a worldwide company with lots of opportunities to learn and progress. I was interested in the role and when I saw the advert, I wanted to apply. I enjoy engineering as a topic and the apprenticeship will allow me to gain experience whilst studying for an engineering degree.”
When asked about the most important thing she’s learned so far, she said: “I’m going to pick a few things. Getting hired is only the beginning. Every opportunity is a learning opportunity. It’s okay to make mistakes and there’s no such thing as silly questions.”
Nicola is one of over 300 apprentices currently working at Amazon in the UK. Amazon has announced it will create a further 1,000 new apprenticeships for new and existing employees in fulfilment centres and development centres across the country. The new apprentices will add to over 27,500 permanent employees currently in the UK, with pay ranging from an entry level starting salary of £9.50/£10.50 an hour, up to £30,000 a year.
Nine different programmes are on offer across the country to people of all levels, ranging from IT, safety and HR through to software engineering, robotics, leadership and technology.
Two-in-every-ten new apprenticeships will be offered exclusively to Amazon’s existing workforce, providing a route from working on the shop floor through to working on cutting-edge software development, robotics technology and senior leadership roles in the business.
In addition to being fully-funded, apprentices also receive industry-leading benefits including competitive pay, employee discounts, private medical insurance and company pension plan.
Finally, for anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship, Nicola has some advice. “Amazon offers lots of opportunities to learn. There is a generous salary and plenty of opportunities to progress. Don’t think about applying, just apply! Get your application in early, be honest, be prepared and show enthusiasm!”
To find out more about the Amazon Apprenticeship Programme visit www.amazon.jobs/apprentices
