Craigavon apprentice helps Amazon announce 1,000 new UK apprenticeships
A Craigavon apprentice has helped Amazon announce that it is creating more than 1,000 new apprenticeships in the UK in 2025.
The Amazon apprenticeship programme, recognised as one of the UK’s top apprenticeship schemes by the Government’s Department for Education1, will offer a wide range of opportunities across the country in Amazon businesses including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Prime Video, and Amazon Devices and Services.
Monika Gawdzinska from Craigavon (pictured) is currently taking part in the programme and is sharing her story to encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.
Monika works as an operations supervisor at Amazon’s delivery station in Portadown. She has worked at Amazon for three years and since 2024, she’s been on the Amazon Apprenticeship programme as part of a Team Leader apprenticeship.
Originally from Poland, Monika moved to Northern Ireland in 2014 and joined Amazon in 2022, eager to develop her skills from day one. Always looking for opportunities, she took external leadership courses to grow in her role before applying for Amazon’s Team Leader apprenticeship at the beginning of 2024. Monika says:
“Before Amazon, I had some supervisor experience, but I knew I needed more knowledge and skills if I wanted to climb the ladder. I was taking courses outside of work, but that meant I was sacrificing my personal time. The apprenticeship at Amazon was a perfect fit for me – I could continue earning while developing professionally. It allowed me to apply my learning immediately and connect and work with others on the same journey.”
Monika saw the apprenticeship as a practical and rewarding way to advance her career without compromising her personal life.
“It’s not just about gaining knowledge, it’s about testing and applying it in real scenarios,” she said. “I get to practice my leadership skills, reflect on my mistakes, and improve daily. The programme has also introduced me to new aspects of Amazon that I never knew existed. The network, the connections, and the shared learning experiences make it a valuable opportunity for me.”
Monika’s favourite thing about working at Amazon is her team and the opportunity to learn.
“I love that Amazon provides endless opportunities. From my very first day, I was inspired by a supervisor who had also been an apprentice – that stuck with me. Now I get to motivate others in the same way by showing them that growth is possible if they just take the leap.”
Monika encourages others to embrace new challenges.
“Don’t be afraid. Just go for it. There’s nothing to lose, only growth to gain. Be curious, be hungry for knowledge, and take that step forward,” she said. “When I had the opportunity to visit Amazon’s headquarters in London for my apprenticeship, it was a huge moment for me. It proved that opportunities to grow are endless at Amazon, you just have to reach for them.”
“Apprenticeships have been a big focus for Amazon for over a decade, and we’re excited to continue creating opportunities for people to start and grow their careers through the announcement of 1,000 new UK apprenticeships in 2025,” added John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon.
“The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is perfect for people of all ages who are either taking their first step on the career ladder, or for those who want to pursue a new path. This is one of the many ways we continue to create opportunities for people inside and outside Amazon to learn new skills and gain new qualifications.”
Recruitment is now underway across more than 40 different programmes, including data science and cyber security, HR, marketing, engineering, health and safety, and warehouse operations. The majority of courses now also include generative AI training, and this year, Amazon is also launching new programmes including creative industries production, data centre operations, and facilities operations.
Since the launch of the Amazon Apprenticeship programme in 2013, Amazon has offered 7,000 apprenticeships in the UK. There are currently around 2,000 apprentices in the programme, making it one of the largest and broadest apprenticeship schemes in the UK.
Since 2021, Amazon has committed £11 million supporting 650 small and medium-sized businesses, third sector organisations, and public sector bodies including the NHS with more than 1,000 apprenticeships. This is through the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme, across a wide range of schemes including adult care, data, dental nurses and broadcast production assistants.
Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can also take advantage of the Amazon Supported Internship programme. Launched in 2021, the initiative combines classroom learning with practical work experience; helping interns develop essential skills in English, Maths, and CV writing, while gaining hands-on experience across three operational job functions.
Pay at Amazon starts from £13.50 or £14.50 per hour depending on location, equating to between £28,000 and £30,000 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount. Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.