The Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea honoured Armed Forces Reserve Day and Armed Forces Day by paying tribute to the veterans and reservists who have joined Amazon’s UK Operations over the last eight years.

As a signee of the Armed Forces Covenant, Amazon has joined a national pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

In 2011, Amazon launched its Military Programme in the UK, offering veterans the opportunity to pursue exciting post-military careers.

This year, Amazon has gone a step further by announcing that it will support employees who continue to serve with the UK Military as members of the Armed Forces Reserve by ensuring that they will get up to two weeks of paid leave each year to attend training in addition to their annual leave.

James Erasmus (37) is one of the military veterans and reservists currently working at Amazon in the UK. He joined the team in October 2018 and is currently a Physical Security Program Manager based at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea.

Speaking on why he came to work at Amazon, James said:

“I was ready for the next chapter in my career after six rewarding years with the National Grid. I was very excited about the pace of change with Amazon and knew that I was up for a new challenge. The scale and footprint of the company can offer me a range of unique career opportunities and I am fascinated by the logistics and operations behind delivering products to customers.”

Prior to working for the National Grid, James was a Sergeant in the Royal Engineers. He is now a Reservist for 135 Sqn (Geographic) Royal Engineers, and as a Reservist this year intends to use his two weeks of paid leave to travel to Belgium where the Squadron will deploy and exercise mobilising a Geo Support cell.

James also spoke about what he loved about working at Amazon:

“The diversity of people within the team. The team is made up of so many nationalities and individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. We learn so much from each other every day and even though we come from different places, we have so much in common and always have a great time together.”

Chris Law, Site Leader, at Amazon in Swansea said: 

“Fulfilment is at the heart of the Amazon experience. We deliver millions of products to hundreds of countries worldwide. Our teams possess a wide range of skills and expertise, from business analysis and inventory management to engineering. We are thrilled to offer talented veterans the opportunity to launch into exciting post-military careers with limitless possibilities.”

Gillian Russell, Military Programme Manager, and retired Royal Navy Officer at Amazon, said: 

“As a company that employs many former military personnel, we understand how important it is for people to find fulfilling jobs after they leave the Services. We’re always looking to recruit veterans who want to continue to use their hard-earned skills in a fast-paced business environment that appreciates their training and operational experience gained during their time in uniform. Who knows, maybe they just might join the team and become Amazon's next General Managers, Directors and VPs.”

All employees at Amazon receive competitive pay and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, income protection, and a company pension plan. Amazon also invests in the health and well-being of its veteran team members with support groups comprised of veterans that helps new candidates adapt to their workplace and find a lasting, successful career.

To find out more about jobs at Amazon, visit: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/.

Amazon currently has 17 fulfilment centres in the UK. There are three fulfilment centres in Doncaster and one each in Bolton, Coalville (Leicestershire), Daventry, Dunfermline, Dunstable, Gourock, Hemel Hempstead, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Rugeley, Swansea Bay, Tilbury and Warrington. The first dedicated UK receive centre opened in Coventry in August 2018 and acts as a central hub to receive and sort millions of products sold on Amazon.co.uk each year.  New fulfilment centres will be opening later this year in Bristol, Rugby, Kegworth and Chesterfield.