An apprentice is urging others to consider "earn while you learn" training programmes after swapping career paths through an Amazon scheme.

Evelina Slavova, from Dartford, joined the e-commerce giant in 2017, initially working as a packer at its Tilbury site in Essex.

Before then she had worked as a freelance nail technician and operations manager at a cleaning company.

Evelina says she was keen to try "something completely different" and so joined the retail company in the hope of gaining new experiences and opportunities.

But it was only when one of Evelina’s managers at the firm spotted the 33-year-old's talents that she was encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship as part of its business improvement techniques programme.

She said: "I was looking to improve my English and also my confidence, as a lot of my colleagues and even my manager were telling me that I was doing great in my role but I needed this little bit of extra confidence to believe in myself.

"As I had a previous education from my country of origin, I decided that an apprenticeship would help me to improve my knowledge and grow within Amazon."

What attracted Evelina most to the programme at Amazon was the opportunity to obtain qualifications and degrees, as well as new skills, while continuing to earn money on the job.

"I believe that taking the decision to apply for this programme changed my life," she said, adding it had helped her to grow both professionally and personally.

She now hopes to secure a permanent area management role with the company.

Evelina added: “I have loved my time on the Amazon apprenticeship programme and have learned so many new skills that will help me to progress in my career.

"At Amazon, you are always being encouraged to grow and succeed, and the apprenticeship has greatly improved my confidence.

"To anyone thinking about signing up, I say just apply!”

Amazon is currently hiring for 1,000 new apprentice roles.

The roles pay a minimum of £10.80 per hour in Tilbury up to £30,000 a year for degree-level apprenticeships.

Apprentice programmes last between 14 months and four years and a typical programme combines theory with hands-on training.

Once qualified, apprentices will have the potential to work across all of Amazon’s sites including its UK head offices and development centres.

The e-commerce giant recently confirmed it will be opening a a new £205m "mega shed" in Dartford in August.

When it’s completed this summer, the four-story warehouse near the Crossing will encompass 2.3 million square feet - equivalent to roughly 30 football pitches – and is expected to create at least 400 jobs.

Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme. For more information, visit www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk

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