Automation Engineering Apprentice - 48 month fixed term contract

Amazon; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UK is offering an Automation Engineering Apprenticeship. Over 48 months, you will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and work alongside industry experts. This role includes support for maintenance and troubleshooting of automated systems, alongside educational advancement towards a BSc in Controls and Automation Engineering. Applicants should be at least 18, with relevant GCSEs and A levels.

Benefits

Accommodation provided for residential program

Travel expenses supported

Qualifications

• 18 years or older by September 2026.
• Right to live and work in England.
• Resident of the UK for the entire duration of the program.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance on automated systems and robotics.
• Use diagnostic tools for equipment.
• Plan preventative maintenance.

Skills

Robotics systems

Industrial automation programming

Data analytics

Education

5 GCSEs C grade or above including Maths and English

Three A levels at C or above or BTEC level 3

Tools

PLC systems

Job description

Automation Engineering Apprentice - 48 month fixed term contract

Job ID: 3119123 | Amazon UK Services Ltd. - A10

Ever wondered what it's like to orchestrate a symphony of robots? Can you picture yourself controlling cutting‑edge technology that powers one of the world's most advanced networks? Imagine being at the controls of one of the world's most sophisticated automated networks, where thousands of robots dance in perfect harmony, artificial intelligence makes split‑second decisions, and breakthrough technology comes to life. This isn’t science fiction – this is Amazon, and this could be your everyday workspace as an Automation Apprentice.

Welcome to the future of engineering – step into a world where innovation happens on an extraordinary scale. Our fulfillment centers are like living, breathing cities of automation, where:

• Hundreds of autonomous robots collaborate seamlessly to fulfil customer orders
• Advanced AI and machine learning systems make real‑time decisions
• Revolutionary conveyor systems spanning miles move packages at lightning speed
• Cutting‑edge robotic arms handle packages with incredible precision
• Smart sensors and vision systems guide operations with pinpoint accuracy
• Ground‑breaking automated storage and retrieval systems redefine efficiency

As an Automation Apprentice within our Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME) team, you’ll be hands‑on with technology that most people only read about. You’ll work alongside industry experts who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automation. This isn’t just maintenance – it’s about being part of a team that innovates, improves, and reimagines automation technology every single day.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

• Work with Amazon exclusive technology you won’t find anywhere else
• Experience automation at a scale that’s transforming global logistics
• Be part of teams developing and implementing next‑generation robotics
• Learn from engineers who are industry pioneers
• See your ideas come to life in real‑world applications
• Shape the future of automation technology

Key Job Responsibilities

• Support maintenance and fault‑finding on automated systems and robotics
• Use diagnostic tools to keep conveyors and sortation equipment running smoothly
• Plan preventative maintenance and safety checks
• Collaborate with engineers to develop new process improvements and energy‑efficient solutions

Throughout Your Apprenticeship You Will Gain Hands‑On Experience With:

• Advanced robotics systems and controls
• Industrial automation programming
• Smart sensor technology and IoT integration
• Predictive maintenance systems
• Data analytics and performance optimisation
• Safety systems for human‑robot collaboration
• Industry 4.0 technologies
• Machine learning applications in automation

Within this 48‑month programme you will work towards the Level 6 Control Technical Support Apprenticeship, combining practical, on‑the‑job experience with industry‑recognised study. The first 12 months will be a full‑time residential programme at one of our external training provider facilities or at our own world‑class Amazon training centres. If you live outside of a commutable distance, accommodation will be provided during term time for these first 12 months and travel expenses will be supported. In later years you will receive on‑the‑job training towards a BSc in Controls and Automation Engineering and an HNC/D in Electrical/Controls Engineering. You will support our 24/7 operation in shift covering days, nights and weekends in patterns that reflect the real‑world schedules of engineers who keep Amazon operating around the clock.

Basic Qualifications

• Be 18 years or over before the start date (September 2026)
• Have the right to live and work in England (require legal work status for the programme’s entire duration until September 2030)
• Have lived in the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 years
• Be a resident of the UK for the entire duration of the programme
• Not be registered to study on a UK government‑funded course ending August 2026 or later
• Have at least 5 GCSEs C grade (grade 4) or above, including Maths and English
• Three A levels (or equivalent) at C (grade 4) or above in either Mathematics, IT, Physics, or an Engineering‑related subject, OR have completed a BTEC level 3 engineering qualification of 180 credits, which must include further mathematics
• Statement of Comparability for qualifications obtained outside the UK (through UK ENIC)
• Previous qualifications will be reviewed for funding eligibility and offers are subject to funding approval
• Must NOT already have a qualification in a similar subject at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship
• Assumes the candidate has little or no knowledge/experience of the occupation and is NOT suitable for candidates who already have a similar or higher‑level qualification in the same or similar subject

Preferred Qualifications

• Maintenance or Engineering HNC/D qualification – ideally with a PLC, automation, electronics or electrical bias

Amazon is an equal‑opportunity employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We value your passion to discover, invent, simplify and build. Protecting your privacy and the security of your data is a longstanding top priority for Amazon. Please consult our Privacy Notice (https://www.amazon.jobs/en/privacy_page) to know more about how we collect, use and transfer the personal data of our candidates.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your recruiting partner.