Amazon has today (1 June) announced that it is establishing a £2.5 million apprenticeship fund for a variety of tech roles across England.
The online retail giant plans for the creation of more than 200 apprenticeships before the end of the year, with positions currently available for such roles as cybersecurity technologist, data analyst, visual effects artist, broadcast and media technician, and AI data specialist.
Small businesses selling on Amazon, as well as Amazon Web Services customers and smaller creative industry partners, will work directly with the company to take on apprentices via the levy transfer scheme.
“We are committed to supporting the UK’s economic recovery post-COVID,” said John Boumphrey, UK country manager, Amazon.
“This fund will give our partners, customers and small businesses in the Amazon ecosystem the opportunity to take on talented apprentices who will help those organisations grow.”
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Apprenticeships of 12–48 months will offer a mix of classroom learning and industry experience, plus online e-commerce training from Amazon, with funding of up to £27,000.
One million pounds from the overall fund will be ring-fenced to support apprenticeship roles in the creative industries.
Today’s announcement follows notice earlier in the year that Amazon had begun recruiting for over 1,000 full-time UK apprenticeships in 2021.
The news will also serve as a boost to a sector which, back in February, reported that COVID had left apprenticeship starts down almost 50%.
“Apprenticeships play a key role in helping businesses of all sizes develop the skilled workforce they need and secure their talent pipeline for the future,” said Gillian Keegan, the apprenticeships and skills minister.
“As a former apprentice myself, I know the life-changing impact an apprenticeship can have. I’d urge as many people as possible to check out the opportunities on offer.”