Former teacher backs Amazon apprenticeship scheme in Bolton

Flavia Scheul, who now works as an area manager at Amazon’s Bolton fulfilment centre, is sharing her experience during National Apprenticeship Week.

Originally from Leigh, Ms Scheul began her career in education in Romania before moving to the UK in 2019.

She initially joined Amazon in an entry-level position, later progressing to roles as a process assistant, team leader, and eventually area manager.

She said: “I had been with Amazon for a few years when, in 2023, one of my managers encouraged me to go for a Chartered Management degree through the Amazon Apprenticeship programme.

“To be honest, I didn’t know much about apprenticeships at first, but looking into how I wanted to progress, it felt like the next natural step.”

Ms Scheul is currently completing a Level 6 Chartered Management Degree apprenticeship through Manchester Metropolitan University.

Despite the challenge of working night shifts and studying during the day, she has found the experience rewarding.

She said: “I love it. I adore every bit of it.

“It can be tricky at times to balance both work and the apprenticeship, but every module I’ve done, I’ve put something into practice.”

Ms Scheul has also started the Eastern Europeans at Amazon employee group in Greater Manchester.

She credits the apprenticeship programme with giving her the confidence to launch the initiative.

She said: “If I’d never taken part in an apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have the confidence to do that.

“I was a very shy person; English wasn’t my first language. Studying in English really pushed me forward.”

The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is ranked among the UK’s top three apprenticeship schemes by the Department for Education.

Scheul’s advice to others considering an apprenticeship is clear. She said: “Just go for it.

“Be brave, be curious. “It might feel scary, it’s a commitment, but it’ll pay forward so much.

“It’ll open so many doors you haven’t even imagined exist.”

National Apprenticeship Week runs from February 9 to 15.