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| Amazon study reveals that majority of workers prefer on-the-job skills training or apprenticeship than formal university degree |
A recent study commissioned by Amazon reveals that over half of European workers value on-the-job skills training or apprenticeships more highly for career preparation than traditional university degrees. This finding coincides with the tenth anniversary of Amazon's Career Choice training program and the announcement of an additional €40 million investment in skills training for its European employees.
The Amazon Future of Work & Career Development European study, conducted by Ipsos, shows that 73% of workers believe there should be more apprenticeship or internship opportunities available to young people. The study also highlights that most European employees see learning new skills as essential for career progression, even more so than receiving a promotion.
In celebration of the Career Choice program's decade-long presence in Europe, Amazon plans to invest €40 million in 2024 to expand the course options for employees. Currently, the program covers 95% of tuition costs, up to €8,000 over four years, for nationally recognized courses from over 85 European institutions. These courses cover various fields, including technology, sustainability, business administration, and logistics, to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
Robert Marhan, Global Operations Vice President of People Experience & Technology (PXT), expressed:
"Amazon is proud to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Career Choice skills training program in Europe and to expand the course options available, so that thousands of employees across Europe can advance their skills and take on new career opportunities both at Amazon and beyond."
The study also reveals that 91% of adults consider on-the-job training or career development training essential or important when seeking a new job, emphasizing the need for accessible skills development programs. Many workers indicated that such programs would make them feel motivated (39%), encouraged (32%), valued (31%), and supported (30%) by their employers. Additionally, nearly one in five European workers admitted they couldn't afford to pay for training themselves.
Since its launch in Europe in 2014, Amazon's Career Choice program has supported over 40,000 employees in advancing their careers in areas such as technology, sustainability, mechanical and industrial systems, transportation and logistics, and business studies.
Mo Abdullahi, Senior Operations Manager and an early participant in the Career Choice program, shared his experience:
"I attribute a lot of my growth at Amazon to Career Choice. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about the role that I wanted and helped me obtain the qualifications that I needed. I'm still super surprised by my journey and growth through Amazon. If I look back ten years ago and starting as a temporary worker, I certainly wouldn't have assumed that I would be at the level I am right now and with the responsibility I have now. It’s been an incredible journey."
The study indicates that training is crucial for ensuring workers remain relevant as the job market evolves. It shows that 32% of European workers are concerned about lacking the training and skills needed for future job relevance, with 67% believing ongoing retraining will be necessary to stay employable. However, only 15% of employees have access to training that could help change their career path, and 22% lack access to training through their current employer.
Marhan added:
"The latest research and the growth of our Career Choice program over the past ten years clearly demonstrate the strong desire for workers across Europe to develop their careers through relevant and accessible skills training programs."
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