Amazon is hiring at least 1,500 new apprentices in 2022, including for roles focused on social responsibility

• Amazon has extended its UK apprenticeship scheme and is hiring for 1,500 roles across 40 programs.
• It's added 13 new schemes, including publishing and environmental social responsibility.

Amazon wants to recruit 1,500 new apprentices in 2022.

In what is the latest extension of its UK apprenticeships program, the internet giant is recruiting for 40 different schemes — including sales, broadcast production, and warehouse management.

The 1,500 roles also include 200 degree apprenticeships, which enable applicants to gain a qualification alongside a full-time job, as well as 500 schemes for existing staff to upskill.

"Amidst a backdrop of skills shortages across the country, apprenticeships are key to equipping people with the skills they need to progress in the modern labour market," said John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon.

Pay differs between £10 ($13.55) an hour and up to £32,000 ($43,300) annually depending on the role and location. Apprentices also gain access to medical insurances, pension plan, and an employee discount equivalent to £700 ($948) a year.

Among the 13 new apprenticeship schemes added this year, one is specifically focused on corporate responsibility.

In recent years, businesses have invested increased focus on ESG — as it's often referred to — in response to concerns about the climate crisis and a shifting consumer desire for businesses to be more socially responsible.

Publishing, retailing, and marketing are among the other new programs added.

The extension comes amid a global recruitment drive, during which Amazon has added 25,000 new staff in the UK in 2021.

Despite the fact the company is often criticized for the way it allegedly treats its workers, particularly those in its distribution and delivery staff, it remains a popular choice among graduates.

The hiring process is extremely competitive. The company is vocal about its policy of only hiring candidates considered to be "bar-raisers."

Last year, Amazon staffers advised people looking to be hired by the company to be aware of its longstanding list of 16 leadership principles and use data to back up any points mentioned in their application.