Automation Engineering Apprentice - West Midlands

Amazon Inc.; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Travel expenses supported

World-class training facilities

Mentorship and career development

Diversity and inclusion groups

Job summary

Amazon in the United Kingdom is seeking an Automation Apprentice to join the Reliability Maintenance Engineering team. You will work on automated systems, robots, and industrial processes, gaining hands-on experience while pursuing a Level 6 apprenticeship and a BSc in Controls and Automation Engineering.

The 48-month programme includes a full-time residential phase, accommodation and travel expense support, and world-class training facilities to develop your engineering skills.

Qualifications

• Interest in automation and robotics with hands-on curiosity.
• Ability to learn practical engineering concepts through on-the-job training.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts (days/nights/weekends).

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 process improvements and energy-efficient solutions.

Skills

Curiosity

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Robotics

Industrial automation

Education

Level 6 Apprenticeship

Pursuing BSc in Controls and Automation Engineering

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Ever wondered what it's like to orchestrate a symphony of robots? Picture yourself at the controls of one of the world's most sophisticated automated networks - where thousands of robots work in perfect harmony, artificial intelligence makes split-second decisions, and breakthrough technology comes to life. This isn't science fiction. This is Amazon, and it could be your everyday workspace as an Automation Apprentice.

Our fulfilment centres are like living, breathing cities of automation: hundreds of autonomous robots collaborating to fulfil customer orders, AI and machine-learning systems making real-time decisions, conveyor systems spanning miles, robotic arms handling packages with incredible precision, and automated storage and retrieval systems redefining what efficiency looks like. As an Automation Apprentice within our Reliability Maintenance Engineering (RME) team, you'll be hands-on with technology most people only read about, working alongside industry pioneers. This isn't just maintenance - it's being part of a team that innovates, improves, and reimagines automation technology every single day, with the chance to see your own ideas come to life in real-world applications.

Are you the person who took things apart to see how they worked? Maybe you built a PC, fixed everyone's tech, loved robotics club or Lego Technic, tinkered with a car or bike, or found physics, electronics or design and technology just clicked. Or maybe you've spent a few years in a hands‑on role and want to step up into cutting‑edge automation. You don't need to be an engineer already - what matters is curiosity about how things work, a logical, problem‑solving mind, and the patience to figure out why something's gone wrong and put it right. If that sounds like you, this could be the start of something extraordinary.

A day in the life can involve:

• Supporting maintenance and fault‑finding on automated systems and robotics
• Using diagnostic tools to keep conveyors and sortation equipment running smoothly
• Planning preventative maintenance and safety checks
• Collaborating with engineers to develop new process improvements and energy‑efficient solutions

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll gain both theoretical knowledge and hands‑on experience across:

• Advanced robotics systems, controls, and industrial automation programming
• Smart sensor technology and IoT integration
• Predictive maintenance and performance optimisation through data analytics
• Safety systems for human-robot collaboration
• Machine learning applications and wider Industry 4.0 technologies

Here at Amazon, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Within this apprenticeship, you'll learn by doing, putting newfound knowledge into practice every day. Our first‑class coaching, tailored development opportunities, and challenging, rewarding work will empower you to reach new heights. If you're a curious learner eager to grow, this is your chance to unlock your full potential and build the future you envision.

Within this 48-month programme, you'll 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 either at one of our external training provider facilities or at our own world‑class Amazon training centres - reflecting our significant investment in developing state‑of‑the‑art facilities for the next generation of engineers. If you live outside a commutable distance, accommodation will be provided during term time for these first 12 months, and travel expenses will be supported. In later years, your on‑the‑job training will work towards a BSc in Controls and Automation Engineering and an HNC/D in Electrical/Controls Engineering.

This role supports our 24/7 operation, so you'll work shifts covering days, nights and weekends - patterns that reflect the real‑world schedules of the 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 we're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our employee‑led affinity groups - including communities for women in tech, LGBTQ+ employees, and underrepresented minorities - foster a culture of inclusion that empowers us to be proud of our differences. These groups 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.

We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge‑sharing, mentorship, and other career‑advancing resources here to help you develop into a well‑rounded professional.

The robots are waiting - are you ready to take control? Turn your passion for technology into an extraordinary career at the forefront of engineering innovation.