E-commerce tech giant, Amazon, has rolled-out a US$700 million re-training blitz for one third of its workforce by 2025 – one of the largest initiatives of its kind in history.
The news comes as the company ramps up its automation, machine learning and technological capabilities.
The free, voluntary program will affect around 100,000 workers, and seeks to move staff into “highly skilled technical and non-technical roles” within Amazon’s corporate offices, tech hubs, logistics network and more.
Staff are encouraged to move into more advanced roles within the company, or seek careers elsewhere.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the skills re-training program will break down into around US$7,000 per employee – i.e. US$1,200 a year to 2025.
The move could see hourly workers in fulfilment centres receive training for IT tech roles, or managing machines which operate in facilities.
Non-technical corporate employees could receive software engineering training.
Chief Executive, Jeff Bezos, claims the initiative will equip workers for the future, recognising that technology will change the way society and organisations operate.
The news comes as Amazon – like several other tech companies – continues to struggle finding sufficient technical staff.
As at March 31, the tech giant boasts around 630,600 workers world-wide.
