Automation Engineering Apprentice - 48 Month Fixed Term Contract

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

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking an Automation Engineering Apprentice for a 48-month fixed-term contract. This role offers hands-on experience with advanced robotic systems and requires candidates to have a strong educational background, including GCSEs and A-levels in relevant subjects. Working within a diverse team, this position encourages innovation and development in automation technology. The company provides a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Be 18 years or over before the start date (September 2026).
• Have the right to live and work in England for the duration of the programme.
• Have lived in the UK or EEA for the last 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance and fault-finding on automated systems and robotics.
• Use diagnostic tools to keep conveyors running smoothly.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop new process improvements.

Skills

Advanced robotics systems and controls

Industrial automation programming

Predictive maintenance systems

Data analytics and performance optimisation

Smart sensor technology and IoT integration

Machine learning applications in automation

Education

5 GCSEs C grade (grade 4) or above including Maths and English

Three A levels (or equivalent) at C (grade 4) or above in relevant subjects

BTEC Level 3 engineering qualification of 180 credits

Job description

Automation Engineering Apprentice - 48 Month Fixed Term Contract

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 at an extraordinary scale. Our fulfillment centres 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 will 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.

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

Through this apprenticeship you will gain both theoretical knowledge and 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. Your first 12 months will be a full‑time residential programme based at an external training provider or at Amazon’s world‑class training centres. If you live outside a commutable distance, accommodation will be provided during term time and travel expenses will be supported. In later years you will receive on‑the‑job training working 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.

You’ll join a diverse and passionate team of engineers dedicated to driving results and pushing creative boundaries. We value different perspectives and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our employee‑led affinity groups—including communities for women in tech, LGBTQ+ employees and under‑represented minorities—provide community, mentorship and a platform for your voice to be heard. We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the customers and communities we serve.

Join us at Amazon, where the future of automation is being written today. Whether you’re debugging a robotic system, optimising conveyor performance or collaborating on the next big innovation in automation, every day brings new challenges and exciting opportunities to push technological boundaries. Turn your passion for technology into an extraordinary career that puts you at the forefront of engineering innovation.

Basic Qualifications

• Be 18 years or over before the start date (September 2026)
• Have the right to live and work in England (for the entire duration of the programme 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 throughout 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 a BTEC Level 3 engineering qualification of 180 credits which includes further mathematics
• Provide a Statement of Comparability for qualifications obtained outside the UK, to confirm eligibility for the scheme (via UK ENIC)
• Previous qualifications will be reviewed for funding eligibility and offers are subject to funding approval
• This apprenticeship assumes the candidate has little or no knowledge/experience of the occupation; it is not suitable for candidates who already have a similar or higher‑level qualification in the same 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 make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including interview or onboarding support, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information.

Amazon is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

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