Amazon study: on-the-job training favoured over degrees by european workers

A new study commissioned by Amazon reveals that more than half of European workers believe on-the-job skills training or apprenticeships are more valuable for career preparation than traditional university degrees. 

The insight coincides with the tenth anniversary of Amazon's Career Choice training programme and the announcement of an additional €40 million investment in skills training for its employees across Europe.

The Amazon Future of Work & Career Development European study, conducted by Ipsos, indicates that 73%  of workers feel a broader range of apprenticeship or internship opportunities should be available to young people. 

The study also found that a majority of European employees consider learning new skills essential for career progression, even more so than receiving a promotion.

Marking a decade of the Career Choice programme in Europe, Amazon plans to invest €40 million in 2024 to expand the course options available to employees. Currently, the programme offers 95% prepaid tuition, up to €8,000 over four years, for nationally recognised courses from over 85 European schools. These courses span various fields, including tech, sustainability, business administration, and logistics, to meet the growing demands of the job market.

Robert Marhan, Global Operations Vice President of People Experience & Technology (PXT), stated:

“Amazon is proud to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Career Choice skills training programme in Europe and to expand the course options available, so that thousands of employees across Europe can advance their skills and take on new career opportunities both at Amazon and beyond.”

The study also highlights that 91% of adults consider on-the-job training or career development training essential or important when looking for a new job. This preference for practical training underscores the need for accessible skills development programmes. 

Many workers indicated that such programmes would make them feel motivated (39%), encouraged (32%), valued (31%), and supported (30%) by their employers. Moreover, almost one in five European workers admitted they couldn’t afford to pay for training themselves.

Amazon’s Career Choice programme, launched in Europe in 2014, has supported over 40,000 employees in advancing their careers. Areas of study include technology, sustainability, mechanical and industrial systems, transportation and logistics, and business studies.

Mo Abdullahi, Senior Operations Manager and an early participant in the Career Choice programme shared his experience: 

“I attribute a lot of my growth at Amazon to Career Choice. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about the role that I wanted and helped me with obtaining the qualifications that I needed.

“I'm still super surprised of my journey and growth through Amazon. If I look back ten years ago and starting as a temporary worker, I certainly wouldn't have assumed that I would be at the level I am right now and with the responsibility I have now. It’s been an incredible journey.”

Training remains a crucial element in ensuring workers remain relevant as the job market evolves. The study shows that 32% of European workers are concerned they won’t have the training and skills needed for future job relevance. 67% believe ongoing retraining will be necessary to stay employable. However, only 15% of employees have access to training that could help change their career path, and 22% lack access to training through their current employer.

Marhan added:

“The latest research and the growth of our Career Choice programme over the past ten years clearly demonstrates the strong desire for workers across the Europe to develop their careers through relevant and accessible skills training programmes.”