TWO apprentices working in Warrington have shared their journeys in the hope of inspiring residents to follow in their footsteps.

Amazon is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its apprenticeship programme, with Jessica Preece and Mike Radcliffe being two of the 1,600 apprentices currently taking part in the firm’s apprentice scheme.

Jessica is an automated engineering apprentice at Amazon’s Omega warehouse and is entering the final year of her degree apprenticeship, hoping to finish in summer next year.

Speaking on what it’s like working at Amazon, she said: “I have loved everything about my apprenticeship.

“I have really valued working with highly skilled engineers, as well as seeing different pathways where I can grow and the opportunities available to me in the future.”

When Jessica was finishing her A-levels, she was encouraged to go to university – but she knew that route was not for her.

She wanted to get on the industry ladder straight away, so she started her apprenticeship with Amazon at 18 years old, straight from sixth form college.

“It was a big jump going straight into the world of work, but I knew I wanted to be an engineer and just knew university was not for me,” she continued.

“I am a very hands-on worker and enjoy that style of learning. If you do not think you want to go to university, I would highly recommend finding an apprenticeship that fits you and your skill set.

“I would like to explore leadership positions and progress that way. Thankfully within Amazon, there is the scope to do that, which is really inspiring as an apprentice looking on.”

Mike Radcliffe also works at Amazon Warrington as a maintenance engineer and is studying a mechatronics apprenticeship degree through the Amazon apprenticeship programme.

Another Amazon Warrington worker, Mike Radcliffe, came through the scheme

Another Amazon Warrington worker, Mike Radcliffe, came through the scheme

He started his apprenticeship in 2019 and is due to complete the course this year. He school, he went into the bricklaying trade, but after a couple of years he decided it was not for him.

Mike had always wanted to get into engineering, but having a family to support meant he had financial commitments and could not afford to re-train.

The Amazon Apprenticeship programme offers the opportunity to learn while earning a salary, so Mike jumped at the chance to apply.

“Every day I learn something new. This apprenticeship has presented me with some amazing opportunities and challenges to help me build my skillset,” he said.

“As someone who was sceptical to join an apprenticeship programme due to financial responsibility, the pay is fantastic and has eliminated that worry.

“I am very grateful to soon be qualified in a career I will hopefully have for a lifetime.”

When the Amazon apprenticeship programme launched in 2013, it had one scheme centred on engineering and only six apprentices.

In total since then, there have been 5,000 Amazon apprenticeships offered in the UK.

Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey added: “We are exceptionally proud to be celebrating 10 years of our apprenticeship programme, providing opportunities for people of all ages.

“Apprenticeships are key to equipping people with the skills they need to progress in today’s labour market, and we now offer one of the broadest and largest apprenticeship programmes in the UK.

“From young people entering the workplace for the first time to older people looking to take their skills and careers in a new direction, our apprenticeship schemes illustrate that at Amazon, there are opportunities for everyone.”