Amazon supports young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in building rewarding careers through its innovative supported Internship programme. Since its launch in 2021, these structured work-based study programmes have been offering valuable opportunities to gain practical skills and workplace experience.
The initiative addresses a critical employment issue in the UK, where less than 5% of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism known to local authorities are in paid employment across England, despite 86% wanting to work. Through meaningful work placements and specialised support, Amazon's programme helps these young people develop confidence and capabilities while transitioning successfully into the workplace.
What is an Amazon supported internship?
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Amazon supported internships combine classroom education and practical work experience in various roles all within an Amazon fulfilment centre, where items are stored, packed, and shipped.
Through the classroom sessions, the young people will develop their English and maths proficiencies, as well as CV writing and other workplace skills.
In addition, they will experience three different operational job functions at their site to gain practical experience in the workplace which will offer them an understanding of how Amazon’s processes work.
These supported internships equip young people with the skills, experience, and confidence they need to secure paid, meaningful employment. Many young people who have completed a supported internship at Amazon have gone on to secure permanent roles at the company.
Who is eligible for Amazon supported internships?
Supported internships at Amazon are for young people aged 16 to 24 with SEND who have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) or equivalent. The programme is available across the UK at Amazon fulfilment centres.
How to apply for an Amazon supported internship
To apply for a supported internship programme with Amazon via national charity DFN Project Search, contact info@dfnprojectsearch.org ahead of the company’s September intake.
When did Amazon launch the supported internship programme?
Amazon launched their supported internship programme in 2021 in a bid to see more young people with SEND enter the workforce. It was expanded in 2023 through an ongoing partnership with DFN Project Search.
Since its launch, more than 160 young people have started a supported internship with Amazon, making the company one of the UK’s largest providers of supported internships.
From internship to permanent employment
Before joining Amazon, Callum Gibbard was studying maths and English at college. He was unhappy in full-time study, and wanted to find a job, which is when he was told about the supported internship opportunities available at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Bristol.
“Leaving college was the best decision I could have made,” said Callum. “I’ve enjoyed working in lots of different departments at Amazon, but my favourite is receive, which is where we unpack boxes of items to store in the fulfilment centre before customers order them.
“It can be a complicated job sometimes, but I’ve started to get faster and more confident. The tasks all come easily to me now, which has built my confidence. I’ve always wanted to get a job, and I’m so proud that doing the supported internship helped me get one at Amazon.”
Upon completion of his internship, Callum was offered permanent employment at Amazon in Bristol. He now works in the packing department in the fulfilment centre.
Growing in confidence
Before joining Amazon, Meadow Beale was at Darlington College studying childcare. She enjoyed the course, but when thinking about her future, Meadow saw herself in a job that involved more communication with adults.
Meadow’s main barrier to employment before joining Amazon’s supported internship programme was her anxiety. This made it difficult for her to talk to new people and sometimes she needs to take time out to refocus and regulate her emotions.
This was factored into the tailored support made available to Meadow during her time at Amazon. Managers and colleagues were made aware of Meadow’s anxiety and were equipped to respond to her needs as they arose at work.
Thanks to the confidence she built during the supported internship, Meadow is now an ambassador for supported internships for Darlington College. She gives presentations and speaks to people about her experience of the programme.
“If I hadn’t done a supported internship, I would still be a shy young woman who stayed in her comfort zone,” Meadow said. “Amazon was the best place for me to learn and grow, as I received so much support from so many people. It was the same level of support I saw given to everyone on site.
“I’m so proud that my experience means I’m now an ambassador for supported internships. I’ve even been on podcasts. Doing a supported internship has changed my life for the better.”
Learning new life skills
Timi Onabule and Hayden Osagie are taking part in the supported internship programme at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Tilbury.
Before joining Amazon, Timi and Hayden completed courses in health and social care and sports coaching at college. When asked about their time on the supported internship programme, Timi and Hayden called out the processes, work experience, and making new friends.
“I’ve learned a lot of new things, including the processes and skills needed in the different departments across the fulfilment centre,” Timi said. “It’s interesting to learn how items are received, sent out, and managed at different stations. I’ve really enjoyed being on the shop floor and getting that hands-on experience.”
Hayden added: “I have learned a lot of new life skills, and things that I didn’t know before. I’ve loved meeting new people, making friends, and hearing their stories, too.”
Timi and Hayden are both hoping to continue working at Amazon to develop their careers at the company once they graduate from the supported internship programme.
Learn more about supported internships.
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