Amazon has launched a programme that offers its US warehouse workers funding for educational courses.

The online retailer will pay up to 95% of the tuition, textbook and associated fees, up to $2,000 per year for four years, for courses from accredited schools, which will lead to technical and vocational certificates or associated degrees.

Employees are eligible for the benefit once they have been with the organisation for a minimum of three years.

Amazon has stipulated that the course must be in fields in which jobs are well-paid and in high demand, including engineering, healthcare, informational technology and accounting.

Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive at Amazon, said: “Many of our fulfilment centre employees will choose to build their careers at Amazon.

“For others, a job at Amazon might be a step towards a career in another field. We want to make it easy for employees to make that choice and pursue their aspirations.”

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