Hemel Hempstead apprentice hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps

Shannia Daley is encouraging potential apprentices who want to take the next step in their career to sign up for an engineering, IT, safety or operations apprenticeship.

During National Apprenticeship Week (February 3 to February 9), the 19-year-old is sharing some advice for anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship.

She said: “Apprenticeship programmes like the one I’m on at Amazon are fantastic for anyone who wants to continue learning or training but doesn’t want to go to university or college.

"The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is perfect for anyone aged 18+ who either has GCSEs or A-levels or good life experience.

"You’ll have the opportunity to get paid while you learn and the hands-on experience is second to none.”

Once the Amazon apprentices are fully qualified, they will have the opportunity to work in Amazon buildings across the UK including fulfilment centres, delivery stations, sortation centres and the company's corporate offices.

Shannia's top tips for potential apprentices to find the perfect role are:

> Do your homework. It sounds obvious but research the type of apprenticeship you want.

> Pick a company that matches your ambitions.

> Throw yourself into it. When it’s time to leave the classroom and start the practical side of the apprenticeship, make friends, ask questions and really become part of the team.

> Watch and learn. You really can learn a lot by paying attention to everyone around you.

> Organise your time. The combination of learning in a classroom and working in a real-life setting is brilliant, but it does require some forward planning.

Mark Keeney, site leader at Amazon in Hemel Hempstead, said: “Amazon wants to inspire tomorrow’s STEM superstars and our Apprenticeship Programme is one of the ways we’re doing that.

"We’re proud of everything that Shannia has achieved since joining our programme and we’re looking forward to welcoming many more apprentices to our fulfilment centre over the coming months.”

Amazon’s Apprenticeship schemes are designed to suit candidates with a range of experience, from those with life skills to school leavers who are 18+ with GCSEs or A-levels.

For more information about the Amazon apprenticeship programme, visit: www.amazon.jobs/apprentices, roles will be advertised on the website in early March.