Amazon Brings its Innovative Career Choice Program to Canada

Amazon will pre-pay 95 per cent of tuition and education costs for hourly employees to pursue their aspirations –  whether at Amazon or in another industry

SEATTLE, WA, Oct. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Amazon announced today it is bringing its innovative Career Choice program to employees in Canada. The program is designed to expand the choices available to its hourly employees in their future careers, whether at Amazon or in another industry. Career Choice pre-pays 95 per cent of tuition, textbook, and associated costs for employees to build the skills needed for today's most in-demand and well-paying careers.

"Many fulfillment centre employees will choose to build their careers at Amazon. For others, a job at Amazon might be a step towards a career in another field," said Glenn Sommerville, Director, Regional Operations for Amazon in Canada. "We are excited to help our employees expand their skillsets whether that will further their careers at Amazon or in another industry."

The program is unusual because unlike traditional tuition reimbursement programs, Amazon will exclusively fund education only in areas that are well-paying and in high demand and the company will fund those areas regardless of whether those skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Eligible fields of study include Aircraft Mechanic, Accounting, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Distribution & Logistics, Construction, Mechanical & Electrical Trades and Healthcare and Laboratory Delivery.

"Amazon's innovative Career Choice program is an exciting addition to our economic development agenda here in Ontario," said Minister Brad Duguid. "Through this program, Amazon employees across the country, and especially those here in Ontario, have the opportunity to gain the skills that are in-demand in today's economy, expanding their career opportunities and enriching Ontario's workforce. I applaud Amazon's investment in our workforce and their leadership in supporting employee education."

"Amazon's Career Choice program is an exciting and unique new way for local Mississaugans to follow their career ambitions, learn new skills and strengthen their potential in careers that are well-paying and in high demand," said Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. "Learning and education are key for career development and Career Choice will undoubtedly give members of our community even more opportunities to strengthen their resumes."

Amazon has three fulfillment centres in Canada. In addition to offering the innovative Career Choice program and paying competitive wages, Amazon fulfillment centre employees also receive comprehensive benefits starting on day one that include RRSPs and deferred profit sharing plans, bonuses, company stock awards and a network of support to help employees succeed.

Learn more about the Career Choice program here.

About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

SOURCE: Amazon

Andrew Gouveia, NATIONAL Public Relations, 416-848-1385, [email protected]