Amazon Career Choice adds new programs in clean energy, cybersecurity, more

Key takeaways

Amazon's Career Choice is adding new credential programs in high-demand fields like clean energy and cybersecurity.
The programs, from education providers like Stanford Online and Purdue, are designed for professionals looking to pivot careers.
Career Choice provides tuition assistance up to an annual benefit maximum for eligible employees.

Amazon is expanding its Career Choice program with new credential programs designed for employees who have years of professional experience and are ready to explore a new career direction.

The programs—spanning clean energy, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, education, and healthcare—are offered through education providers including Stanford Online, Purdue, Western Governors University (WGU), and SANS Institute. Enrollment opens in October 2026.

An Amazon employee works on her laptop in a classroom with other students.

Career Choice is Amazon’s education and training benefit that helps eligible employees grow their skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. It’s just one way Amazon helps people grow, thrive, and connect.

Career Choice launched in 2012 for Amazon’s operations employees, and expanded to corporate employees in January 2026. Career Choice has always offered a broad range of options for eligible employees who are looking to earn a certificate in an in-demand field, further their education, or learn new skills. These new credentials are the first offerings in Career Choice specifically for professionals with a bachelor's degree who want to build on their experience and move into a new industry or explore a new career pathway. Amazon provides tuition assistance up to an annual benefit maximum, helping offset the cost of the program, and employees can continue working full time while enrolled.

Three Amazon employees working in various fields including: healthcare, energy, and cybersecurity.

What are the new Career Choice certificate programs?

Each of the new programs leads to a professional credential and is designed to connect participants to real roles with employers hiring in these fields. Here's what each pathway covers:

Clean energy

This path prepares participants for careers in energy trading, project engineering, and managing renewable power generation—roles at the center of the transition to a more sustainable energy economy.

Cybersecurity

Focused on protecting applications and data infrastructure, this program is designed for professionals interested in becoming security engineers or program managers in one of the fastest-growing fields in tech.

Advanced manufacturing

This path covers the design and optimization of processes that turn raw materials into finished goods—skills that are in high demand as manufacturing becomes more sophisticated and technology-driven.

Semiconductors

Participants learn to improve fabrication processes at the heart of the technology supply chain. As demand for chips continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals in semiconductor manufacturing.

Education

For those interested in working with students, this path prepares participants for careers teaching K-12 students, developing lesson plans, and leading classrooms.

Healthcare

This path leads to a nursing credential and focuses on patient care, treatment administration, and care team coordination, preparing participants for clinical and caregiving roles in a field with consistent and growing demand.

Frequently asked questions about Career Choice's new programs

Who is eligible for the new programs?

The new certificate programs are available to U.S. Amazon employees with a bachelor's degree who meet specific program prerequisites.

How much do the programs cost?

Amazon provides tuition assistance up to an annual benefit maximum, helping offset the cost of the program for eligible employees. Unlike many of our entry-level trainings where Amazon typically covers the full cost of tuition, these more advanced programs may require some employee contribution.

Can participants keep working while enrolled?

Yes. The programs are designed for working professionals and are built to fit around a full-time schedule.

How long do the programs take?

Most programs take 18 months or less to complete.

When does enrollment open?

Enrollment opens in October 2026.

What happens after an employee completes a program?

Each program leads to a credential and is designed to connect participants to roles with employers hiring in these fields—whether that's within Amazon or with other companies.

What if an employee isn't looking for a full career change?

Career Choice is just one of many ways Amazon invests in employee growth. Other options include AWS Skill Builder for on-demand cloud and AI courses, AWS Certifications for industry-recognized credentials, and Machine Learning University for self-paced learning paths.

What is Amazon Career Choice?

Career Choice is Amazon's flagship education and skills training benefit, available to eligible employees starting on their first day at the company. The program helps employees build new skills, further their education, and pursue new careers through hundreds of education partners worldwide.

Since it launched in 2012, more than 300,000 employees in 16 countries have participated through 600-plus education partners. Programs range from GED prep and English-language proficiency courses to bachelor's degrees and professional certifications in high-growth fields. The program expanded to Japan and Mexico in August 2026, ensuring more employees have access to prepaid education and skills training.

Amazon pays tuition upfront—employees never have to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement—and offers flexible scheduling so participants can balance work and learning. Career coaching is available to help employees plan their next steps.

Learn more about Career Choice and explore Amazon’s community programs and resources.