In an era where career transitions and skill enhancement are increasingly sought after, Amazon is at the forefront, offering its employees an innovative avenue to transform their career paths. This is embodied in Amazon’s Career Choice program, designed to arm its workforce with the necessary skills to embark on new professional journeys in sectors that are experiencing substantial demand.
Amazon’s initiative caters to a broad spectrum of interests and career aspirations. For those drawn to healthcare or keen to delve into the tech world, the uncertainty surrounding such a career shift is significantly mitigated by the Career Choice program. Launched in 2012, this program has already empowered over 113,000 Amazon employees, providing them with the tools to gain certifications in fields such as technology, transportation, mechanical and industrial systems, healthcare, and business administration. These programs are not arbitrarily chosen; they’re based on thorough labour market analyses, ensuring they align with the trajectories of high-demand industries.
The Career Choice program offers a diverse array of educational pathways, each leading to potential dream jobs for Amazon employees. Let’s explore some of these success stories:
Data Centre Engineering Operations (DCEO) technician – powering the cloud
Jose Romero’s journey from a business owner to a DCEO technician at Amazon Web Services (AWS) encapsulates the transformative impact of the Career Choice program. His new role, supported by skills acquired through a partnership with Blue Mountain Community College, involves maintaining essential systems in data centres. Romero’s story is one of growth and continuous learning, underlining the program’s efficacy in providing career-enhancing opportunities.
Aircraft mechanic – soaring to new heights
The program also addresses the needs of industries like Amazon Air through an aircraft mechanic program. This initiative, in collaboration with educational partners such as Hillsborough Community College, enables employees like Ryan Costello to transition into roles critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft.
Sustainability specialist – championing environmental stewardship
Amazon’s commitment to sustainability extends to workforce development, as seen in the collaboration with the Natural Resources Training Group (NRTG). Graduates like Raymond Campbell, now contributing to the Denver Zoological Foundation, are a testament to the program’s role in fostering careers in conservation and environmental consultation.
Data analyst – deciphering data for strategic insights
In the data-driven modern world, the program offers pathways to become skilled data analysts. Employees, including those like Cleo Valencia, who moved from El Salvador and started as a Picker at Amazon Fresh, can learn database management and data visualisation, setting them up for roles in data analytics.
Career Choice for you
The Career Choice program, with over a decade of transforming lives and careers, has assisted more than 175,000 individuals globally. It stands out not only for the educational opportunities it provides but also for the comprehensive support system it offers through career coaching and job-placement assistance, in collaboration with over 400 educational partners worldwide.
This initiative reflects Amazon’s vision of not just being a workplace but a launching pad for ambitious career journeys, aligning employees’ aspirations with the evolving demands of the global job market.
Learn more about Career Choice, here.
