Ecommerce giant Amazon has teamed up with vehicle inspection company DEKRA to create a van and truck driver training programme for Amazon employees looking for a change in profession.
The driver training course is part of Amazon’s Career Choice program, which allows Amazon employees (e.g those working in their warehouses) to retrain in areas where Amazon have skill shortages (e.g. network technicians, web and software developers, electricians, machine fitters or truck drivers).
The eight-month course includes the driver’s license training for class C/CE vehicles in cooperation with a local driving school. In addition to the theory, 27 driving lessons of 45 minutes each have to be completed.
Moreover, the course includes training on commercial vehicle technology, labour law and safety, health protection, freight transport, the road haulage market and advanced driving skills.
Those who successfully pass the seminar receive a class C/CE driving license, as well as the BKfFQ/V certificate from Germany’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce alongside a certificate of attendance from the Dekra Academy.
Amazon will pay for 95% of the training up front, with candidates paying the rest. On top of that, some graduates of the program can even apply for support from Amazon to start up their own business. All who pass the course have 90 days to think about whether to embark on a new professional path or stay with Amazon.
Tammy Thieman, Senior Program Manager at Amazon, says that they want to “give something back to society” via the program:
We want to give our employees a chance to build a career. We also know that not everyone who comes to Amazon intends to do so with us. Some see Amazon as a stepping stone for their next opportunity. Career Choice should support them on their way beyond Amazon. In addition, Amazon wants to give something back to society.
Manuel Menne-Dörner, Team Leader and Key Account Manager at Dekra Qualification, also gave his backing to the scheme, saying that Amazon was providing its employees with the “right tools” to aid their development.
“Fluctuation is part of today’s job market. And when there is a change, Amazon does not give up responsibility for its employees, but instead provides them with the right tools.”
Photo credit: Todd Van Hoosear / Wikimedia Commons