Amazon has reinforced its commitment to employee development by expanding its Career Choice program and introducing new technical training opportunities as part of its broader “Upskilling 2025” initiative. According to Amazon News, the retail giant aims to help over 300,000 U.S. employees grow their careers by providing free skills training programs, ranging from cloud computing to user experience (UX) design.
Through partnerships with more than 400 academic and training institutions globally, the Career Choice program now includes certifications and degree programs in high-demand areas like healthcare, transportation, and IT. Employees can pursue education in their local language, with the company pre-paying tuition and covering additional costs like textbooks and course fees.
Beth Galetti, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, stated that these investments stem from the company’s recognition that “a skilled workforce is vital not only for Amazon but for society as a whole.” By giving employees access to in-demand skills, Amazon is preparing its workforce for better-paying, future-ready roles both within the company and beyond.
“Upskilling 2025” and the Tech Talent Pipeline
Launched in 2019, Amazon’s Upskilling 2025 pledge represents a $1.2 billion investment to provide free training to hundreds of thousands of employees by 2025. As detailed on Amazon’s corporate blog, the initiative includes a range of programs tailored for various skill levels and departments. Some standout programs include:
1. Amazon Technical Academy:
Prepares non-technical employees for software engineering roles.
2. AWS Grow Our Talent:
Trains employees for roles in Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure.
3. User Experience Design and Research Apprenticeship:
Offers hands-on training in UX design.
4. Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship:
Combining on-the-job learning with classroom instruction to produce automation technicians.
The company’s focus on tech-related skills highlights a growing demand for digital expertise in a rapidly evolving job market. Amazon reported that over 150,000 employees have already participated in one or more of its upskilling programs, and the company is on track to meet its 2025 goal.
Career Choice Expansion and Industry Response
In a recent HR Grapevine report, Amazon confirmed an expansion of its Career Choice network to include 140 new training providers across the U.S. This includes new partnerships with community colleges, four-year universities, and tech bootcamps for Upskilling 2025. The move is designed to offer employees greater flexibility and access to region-specific job markets.
The tech training component is particularly noteworthy. Employees interested in careers in cybersecurity, software development, and network infrastructure can now enroll in certified programs that align with industry needs. Amazon also introduced career coaching services and career pathways that allow workers to transition directly from warehouse roles into tech positions.
Workforce development experts have praised the expansion, citing it as a model for corporate responsibility in preparing workers for a digital economy. By integrating upskilling with job placement and career guidance, Amazon’s program not only benefits employees but also helps fill skill gaps in critical sectors.
As automation and AI continue to reshape global labor markets, Amazon’s aggressive investment in human capital may serve as a blueprint for other corporations seeking to future-proof their workforce while contributing to economic mobility.
Sources:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/amazon-employees-upskilling-education-training
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/our-upskilling-2025-programs
