Amazon Canada celebrated the opening of its newest advanced robotics facility fulfillment centre, in Hamilton, Ontario on April 19, 2022. The facility has created 1,500 new jobs, with employees receiving comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities starting day one.
“On behalf of all residents of Hamilton, I am very happy to welcome Amazon to our community,” said Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook. “It has been my pleasure to work hand-in-hand with the Amazon team every step of the way to bring jobs and investments to Hamilton.”
“It has meant a great deal to the residents of Hamilton, and also to those who work hard every day to bring economic development opportunities closer to home,” said Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton. “On behalf of Hamilton Council, congratulations to Amazon on your expansion projects throughout Ontario, and thank you to the provincial government for your ongoing support.”
Advancing STEM education for youth
To celebrate the robotics facility opening, Amazon Canada presented a donation of $25,000 to FIRST Robotics Canada, an organization focused on engaging young people in mentor-based programs that build STEM skills. The company’s donation will help FIRST Robotics support 10 schools and programs across Canada, inspiring youth to build skills and careers in STEM. They include:
- Chinguacousy Secondary School - Brampton, Ontario
- St. Joseph Secondary School - Mississauga, Ontario
- Inverse Paradox Community Team - Mississauga, Ontario
- St. Mary Secondary School - Hamilton, Ontario
- Ross Sheppard High School - Edmonton, Alberta
- Community All-Girls Team - Calgary, Alberta
- Templeton High School - Vancouver, British Columbia
- Killarney Secondary School - Vancouver, British Columbia
- Lakeside Academy - Lachine, Quebec
- École Paul-Hubert - Rimouski, Quebec
"It's absolutely critical to have kids and youth thinking about their future and inspiring them to become positive leaders in STEM fields. We are grateful for the increased support from Amazon Canada,” says Dave Ellis, President of FIRST Robotics Canada. "These funds will allow students to compete in FIRST programs, build robots, and solve real-world problems while also providing them with invaluable skills for life."
Career development and benefits at Amazon
As part of its mission to become Earth’s Best Employer and Earth’s Safest Place to Work, Amazon provides full-time operations employees with access to educational opportunities through upskilling programs like Career Choice, an initiative that sees the company pre-pay up to 95 per cent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields. Full-time employees also receive competitive benefits, including hourly wages above those of standard entry-level jobs, starting at $18, medical, vision and dental coverage, a group RRSP plan, stock awards, and performance-based bonuses starting on day one.
