Jade Winship, who works in the stow department at Amazon’s Swansea fulfilment centre, was one of just 18 employees selected for the “I Found the Right Place” initiative, which invites staff to share why they love working for the company. The best stories, chosen by a judging panel, earn their authors a place on an all‑expenses‑paid visit to Amazon’s global headquarters in the US.
From Swansea to Seattle
During the trip, Jade and her fellow winners toured Amazon’s Seattle campus, visited a robotics fulfilment centre, and explored some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture.
For Jade, who graduated in 2018 with a degree in Aviation and Airport Management, the experience was a milestone in a career she once doubted she could have.
“Finding a job was really stressful for me because I have quite bad anxiety, and I kind of felt like maybe the working world wasn’t for me,” she said.
Encouraged by her sister Holly, Jade joined Amazon on a temporary contract before returning during the COVID‑19 pandemic — and has stayed ever since.
Overcoming nerves
When she learned she had been selected for the Seattle trip, Jade admits she was stunned.
“I’ve never been to America and I certainly never thought I would win out of everybody that entered, so it was very exciting,” she said.
Travelling with 17 strangers could have been daunting, but Jade said the group quickly bonded.
“I was so nervous I nearly turned around, but I told myself all I had to do was get on the plane and it would be fine. I’m so glad I did it.”
Inspired for the future
The visit also gave Jade a new perspective on Amazon’s work in technology and sustainability, from innovative robotics to redesigned, more sustainable packaging. She has since completed a data analytics course through the company’s Career Choice programme and is considering her next career steps.
David Marcok, Site Leader at Amazon Swansea, said:
“Jade is a much‑loved member of the team here and we were so pleased when we found out she was off to Seattle. We’re proud to have her represent our team on the trip.”
