TWO apprentices who work at Amazon's fulfilment centre in Tilbury are encouraging others to become apprentices and pursue their careers.

They have been featured as part of a campaign by the sales and distribution company which is expanding of its apprenticeship programme with the addition of 1,500 full-time positions across the UK this year including more than 200 degree-level apprenticeships.

Recruitment has now started for more than 40 different schemes, from engineering to broadcast production, creative digital design to warehouse team leaders and health, safety and environment technicians.

This year, Amazon is also launching a new apprenticeship programme focusing on environmental, social and corporate governance, giving apprentices the opportunity to gain real world sustainability experience. Additionally, there will be new apprenticeship schemes available including publishing, retailing, marketing and many more.

Two of the apprentices currently taking part in the Amazon Apprenticeship programme are Rebecca Mohan and Re-an Brooks, who work in Tilbury.

Rebecca applied for the Amazon Mechatronics Engineering apprenticeship after discovering that she had an interest in engineering whilst working odd jobs in Australia.

After being forced to return home from travelling because of the pandemic, Rebecca joined her local Amazon team as a seasonal associate. During her time on site, Rebecca came across the Mechatronics Engineering apprenticeship and thought that the role might suit her, as it spoke to the fault-finding and problem-solving elements of engineering that she had enjoyed in a previous role as a service technician for amusement machines.

Rebecca was initially apprehensive about the apprenticeship, having left formal education over a decade ago, but has been surprised to find that the programme has given her a desire to build a new career.

Rebecca said: "If you're thinking about applying for an apprenticeship at Amazon, don't be put off by the stereotypes that are usually associated with apprenticeships. It doesn't matter who you are, or what experience you have or are lacking, Amazon has a place for everyone. I'm really glad that I decided to apply, and can't wait to bring my new knowledge into the workplace."

Re-an joined the Amazon packing team in the Tilbury fulfilment centre four years ago. She was later trained in different roles, where she was exposed to lots of technology and IT equipment. It was this experience that sparked Re-an's interest in IT and she is now taking part an IT Engineer apprenticeship through the Amazon Apprenticeship programme, which she's due to complete later this year.

Prior to Amazon, Re-an worked in the healthcare sector and wanted to change the direction of her career, which is why she joined Amazon. Despite having no experience in IT, Re-an decided to follow her new passion and apply for the apprenticeship.

Re-an said: "Since starting the apprenticeship, I have discovered that IT is an industry where learning is endless. This apprenticeship has made me realise that no matter how little you know about something, you can learn and achieve anything if you really want to."

John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon, said: "We are very proud to be providing opportunities for upskilling and retraining for people of all ages, at all stages of their careers, helping to address skills gaps and increase social mobility."

Applications are now open for Amazon's apprenticeship programme. For more information, visit: this link.