Dunstable apprentice encourages others to follow in their footsteps during National Apprenticeship Week 2026

The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the UK's top apprenticeship schemes by the Government’s Department for Education1.

Lawrence from Dunstable has taken part in the programme and is sharing his story to encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.

Lawrence Watson works in Amazon Logistics (AMZL) Central Operations, where he supports the management of large-scale operational events across the Amazon EU network. In the summer of 2024, Lawrence began a Level 7 Senior Leaders Apprenticeship whilst working as an Operations Manager at Amazon in Daventry.

The apprenticeship has broadened Lawrence's thinking and opened doors beyond his day-to-day operational role. Through the learning and development opportunities the programme has provided, he's been able to give back to the communities Amazon serves. This commitment to community impact led to securing a position as a Trustee for a Multi Academy Trust that focuses exclusively on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education, supporting young people with learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Drawing on both the academic learning from the apprenticeship, Lawrence is now working on something with potentially far-reaching impact.

He said: “I'm working on a strategic proposal to expand Amazon's supported internship programme to include AMZL Central Operations. This work reflects my belief that apprenticeships don't just develop individual leaders – they create opportunities to drive meaningful social impact alongside business success.”

“Through the learning and development opportunities the programme has provided, I've been able to give back to the communities we serve,” Lawrence continued. “The apprenticeship has provided the framework, knowledge, and confidence to operate at multiple levels: delivering business results, contributing to educational governance, and designing inclusive employment pathways.”

Lawrence shared his perspective on leadership development, saying: “My apprenticeship programme isn't just creating better leaders; it's creating leaders who think about accessibility, inclusion, and the broader role that businesses can play in their communities. It's leadership development translated into community impact.”

His story demonstrates what's possible when apprenticeship learning is applied not just to operational excellence, but to social responsibility. From managing operations at a fulfilment centre, to governing a SEND-focused educational trust, to proposing expanded supported internship opportunities, Lawrence's apprenticeship journey shows how investing in leadership development can create value that extends far beyond the workplace.

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can also take advantage of the Amazon Supported Internship programme. Launched in 2021, the initiative combines classroom learning with practical work experience; helping interns develop essential skills in English, Maths, and CV writing, while gaining hands-on experience across three operational job functions.

Pay at Amazon starts from £13.95 or £14.96 per hour depending on location, equating to between £29,037 and £31,116 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount. Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.

Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme. For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk