The latest study commissioned by Amazon reveals that a significant majority of UK workers (61%) view on-the-job skills training and apprenticeships as more beneficial for today’s workforce preparation than traditional university degrees. This finding comes from the Amazon Future of Work & Career Development study conducted by Ipsos, coinciding with the completion of GCSE and A-Level exams. It highlights a shifting perception, with only 31% of UK workers aged 16-75 considering a university degree as indispensable for a successful career compared to a decade ago.
The study also underscores a strong emphasis on continuous learning among UK employees, with 79% prioritizing acquiring new skills over receiving promotions (67%) in the next 12 months. Career development training is deemed crucial by 86% of adults when contemplating job transitions, ranking equally or more important than company culture (84%) and flexible work arrangements (75%).
Key motivations for valuing employer-provided training include feelings of support (41%), encouragement (38%), motivation (38%), and recognition (37%). Affordability remains a concern, with 24% of UK workers indicating financial barriers to accessing training independently.
In response to these insights, Amazon launched its Career Choice programme in the UK in 2014, investing over £55 million to date. This initiative supports operations employees by funding adult education, covering up to 95% of tuition costs for accredited courses, including new additions like information security analysis, software testing, and procurement and supply. To mark its 10-year anniversary, Amazon plans to invest an additional £23 million in the UK this year.
Employees like Mo Abdullahi, a Senior Operations Manager, credit Career Choice for career advancement, underscoring its role in personal and professional growth within Amazon. Looking ahead, the study forecasts a critical role for training in addressing workforce concerns, as 30% of UK workers worry about remaining relevant in their roles due to inadequate skills training. Despite this, only 14% report having access to training for career transitions, while 18% perceive a lack of training opportunities with their current employers.
Elsie Merchant, a degree-level apprentice in Automation Engineering at Amazon, shares her positive experience with hands-on learning, emphasizing the value of practical education in her career path.
John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager, reaffirms Amazon’s commitment to upskilling through Career Choice, supporting thousands of employees in the UK to pursue new career opportunities both within Amazon and beyond.
As one of the UK’s leading private employers, Amazon continues to expand its training offerings, aiming to empower employees with the skills necessary for future job demands. Interested readers can learn more about Amazon’s upskilling initiatives at aboutamazon.co.uk/workplace/upskilling.
