Wakefield apprentice encourages others to follow in their footsteps during National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Tristan Barnes is taking part in the Amazon Apprenticeship programme and is sharing his story to encourage others to consider an apprenticeship.

Tristan works as an Area Management Apprentice at Amazon’s delivery station in Wakefield. He’s currently completing a degree-level apprenticeship through the University of Exeter and is set to graduate in March 2029.

His Amazon journey began in September 2025. After completing his International Baccalaureate exams, he made a bold decision that would reshape his independence and career trajectory, relocating over 300 miles from his family home in Hastings to Wakefield in September to begin his apprenticeship.

“I wasn’t sure that university was the right path for me,” Tristan explained. “School didn’t promote apprenticeships as much as universities, it was much more common to follow the ‘normal’ route. Usually if you’re looking for an apprenticeship, you have to put in that bit of extra effort yourself to look for it,” he said. If people had better guidance and more information about apprenticeships as well as universities, I think a lot of young people would be much better off.”

Tristan’s interest in apprenticeships was cultivated through work experience with a company called Rate My Apprenticeship, now rebranded as HigherIn, where he worked as an ambassador. This exposure to the early careers space equipped him with the research skills to pursue his own opportunity with Amazon.

His apprenticeship at Amazon in Wakefield involves rotating through different shifts every three months, giving him exposure to various aspects of delivery station operations.

Tristan started in the Management Delivery Operations team, working with delivery drivers on parcel logistics. He’s now rotating onto the evening shift to broaden his experience.

Despite being just three months into his apprenticeship, Tristan has already experienced a significant milestone.

“When my boss wasn’t in, I was given the responsibility of running the shift,” he said. “I’ve done it twice already and I’m going to do it twice again next week.

"If you told me last year when I was sitting exams that I’d be in a trusted management position like this, I just couldn’t picture myself doing it. That’s probably one of my highlights, and something I’m most proud of.”

For Tristan, the move from Hastings presented challenges beyond the professional realm. “This was about starting a career, but also about moving away from my family who I’m very close with, miles away from everyone,” he said.

“I didn’t know anyone in the area. I wasn’t sure it would be the right choice, but ultimately, I think I’ve really found my feet and I’m feeling a lot more confident in myself.”

The transformation has been profound. “The past four months have completely transformed my confidence, not just in work but outside of work as well - having to look after yourself, learning all these new skills.

"I wouldn’t have pictured myself having the confidence to do a lot of these things. The apprenticeship has allowed me to do this because I’ve been able to earn money while I learn.”

Looking ahead, Tristan aims to complete his apprenticeship and step into a full-time Shift Manager position. However, his ambitions extend beyond operations.

“While I love what I’m doing now, I also love sports and marketing. I’d love at some point to maybe do some work experience in those areas. The great thing is that the apprenticeship gives you flexibility to try different things out,” he explained.

“Ultimately, if you can work in a career that you’re passionate about, that’s the golden ticket because then work doesn’t feel like work.”

For now, Tristan is focused on making the most of his opportunities at Wakefield. He’s planning to attend the National Apprenticeship Week conference in London and continues to seek out connections across Amazon’s various departments.

The Amazon Apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the UK’s top three apprenticeship schemes by the Government’s Department for Education.

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.

Pay at Amazon starts from £13.95 or £14.96 per hour depending on location, equating to between £29,037 and £31,116 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount. Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.

Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme. For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk.