Amazon operates an education benefit called Career Choice that supports employees learning new skills for higher roles.
Since launching in Canada in 2014, nearly 12,000 workers across the country have participated in the upskilling program, which includes tracks that range from Data Analytics and Cybersecurity to Truck Driving.
“Amazon is proud to have offered Career Choice in Canada for the past 11 years,” says Chuck Cummings, Director of Customer Fulfilment for Amazon Canada.
This month, the e-commerce titan enhanced Career Choice by offering 100% of tuition costs (up to a yearly maximum).
“Amazon’s increased investments in the Career Choice program reflect our continued commitment to providing career growth opportunities for employees,” stated Cummings.
Amazon also expedited the eligibility period for employees to participate in the program from one year of employment to 90 days.
“By removing cost and eligibility barriers, we’re taking our most significant step to help employees build new skills and pursue new careers at Amazon and beyond,” said Cummings.
The Career Choice program is offered in partnership with 18 educational institutions across Canada, including Western Community College, Sheridan College, and Algonquin College.
Amazon employs more than 46,000 people across Canada. That figure includes over 8,000 technology roles, which are spread primarily across Amazon’s two Canadian tech hubs—Vancouver and Toronto—as well as a smattering at the company’s robotics operations in Alberta.
The Vancouver hub houses 4,500 employees, while the Toronto hub employs 3,500. Within these tech hubs is an array of tech-forward departments, from Amazon Web Services and Amazon Ads to Alexa and Prime Video.
Amazon promises Canadian workers competitive pay, leading benefits coverage, and a group RRSP plan.
