An apprentice from Wortley who works at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Wakefield is encouraging others to become an apprentice and pursue their dream career during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February 2026).
Leah McFarlane is taking part in the Amazon Apprenticeship programme and is sharing her story to encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.
Leah works as a Mechatronics Engineering Apprentice at the Amazon Apprenticeship Academy, rotating between Amazon in Bolton and the company’s fulfilment centre in Wakefield. She started her four-year apprenticeship in late 2025.
After finishing high school, Leah went to college where she studied sports and criminology, passing all her qualifications. However, she soon realised further education wasn’t for her. She worked as bar staff but didn’t enjoy the environment.
Her uncle worked for Amazon when the Wakefield site was being built, and he suggested she apply for a role there as it wasn’t far from her home in Wortley .
Leah joined Amazon in 2022, and when she found out about the Amazon Apprenticeship programme, she looked into it and discovered the engineering pathway – something she’d always had a passion for and found very interesting.
She said: “I chose an apprenticeship to start my career as I prefer learning on the job and not just in the classroom. This apprenticeship allows me to be hands on with my learning. This works really well for me and allows me to understand further what work it is I’m carrying out. On this apprenticeship specifically it helps to understand all the different tools and components I will be working on.”
Leah’s advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is clear. “Do lots of research. Don’t feel like you have to just stick at one apprenticeship. When I had a look, there were a couple of different engineering apprenticeships. See what it offers you, what qualifications you get after it, what work you need to put in. Make sure it’s something that you will enjoy because it will shape your career.”
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.
Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme. For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk
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