Alex joined Amazon as part of the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship scheme in September 2021. Prior to joining Amazon, he spent 6 years in the Royal Air Force, serving as a military musician performing at ceremonial events around the world. Using the leadership and communication skills he learned from his time in the military, Alex has integrated quickly into his team and has already began working on projects at the next level. Alex’s goal within Amazon is to learn and be curious and discover something new about the business every day, developing himself and his team during his apprenticeship and beyond.

His favourite thing about working for Amazon is the Day 1 culture, the business encourages you to think outside the box and try new ideas and creative solutions. His proudest moment so far is beginning his journey with Amazon: ‘The opportunities as an Apprentice are amazing, and allow you to learn about all areas of the business and develop leadership skills and knowledge quickly.’

Outside of work Alex still performs as a musician, and enjoys spending time with his family, windsurfing and cycling.

After 6 years in the Royal Navy and 3 years as an RAF Reservist, Helen was keen to find a career that she could work part-time but had great career prospects. As a mum to 2 young children and a military spouse, Helen wanted job flexibility with progression. Helen looked into a career in operations with Amazon and was delighted to join as an Area Manager at a Delivery Station working 3 days per week.

Helen said, “it was amazing to walk into a fast-paced working environment and to have a daily challenge I could lean into, while knowing I would have 4 days off every week to focus on the kids. My management team have been amazing and supported me to progress despite working part-time.”

When Helen’s husband was posted, Helen was offered the chance to work remotely as a Programme Manager. Helen told us, “when I realised that all of the shift times wouldn’t work for childcare when my husband was away, Amazon went above and beyond to secure a position for me working remotely. Since then I’ve established an apprenticeship programme in Amazon Logistics from scratch but also have been able to take my children to after school clubs, attend their school shows and generally have time to keep the house in order!”

Helen recommends military spouses research into apprenticeships. “The great thing about apprenticeships is that you can be any age from any background, apprenticeships offer a chance to earn but also progress your career and gain qualifications. If you feel like you’re at a dead end, you fancy a new challenge but with a business who understands and supports you then this could be for you. It’s definitely having your cake and eating it!”.