“Before my internship began, I was at Rugby College, but I wanted to find out what it was like to work somewhere like Amazon,” says Jamie, a supported intern at Amazon’s Rugby fulfilment centre. “From the moment I arrived, I loved it. I’ve learned so many new things, and I’ve made a lot of friends along the way.”
Jamie is one of more than 130 young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) graduating from Amazon supported internships this summer across 26 Amazon sites – a significant milestone that makes Amazon the largest private sector provider of supported internships in the UK.
Photo by ©UNP 0845 600 7737Since launching in 2021 with just three graduates, Amazon’s programme has grown to support almost 300 young people in partnership with national charity DFN Project SEARCH. More than 80 have gone on to secure permanent roles at Amazon.
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?
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 18 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. To date, the charity has supported over 3,600 young people, with on average just under 63% of graduates going on to permanent, paid jobs.
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.
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.
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.
“I’ve learned to be confident”
Photo by ©UNP 0845 600 7737At Amazon’s Reading delivery station, Harley and Shayan arrived in September 2025 with nerves but no warehouse experience. Several months on, both describe transformations that go far beyond the job itself.
“One of the key things I would say to anyone thinking about it is: don’t be nervous,” says Harley, who has completed training across roughly ten different areas during his supported internship. “After working here, it really changes your mindset.”
Photo by ©UNP 0845 600 7737For Shayan, the growth has been deeply personal. “I’ve learned to be confident and to ask for help when I’m struggling.”
Harley points to skills that extend beyond the delivery station floor. “I’ve learned time scheduling, teamwork, and even learning the timetables for trains and buses. There are a lot of life skills I’ve been adding into my work, and a lot of skills I’ve added into my life.”
“Knowing someone trusts you means a lot”
Photo by ©UNP 0845 600 7737At Amazon’s Weybridge delivery station, four interns came from very different starting points but found the same thing: support that made all the difference.
“The extra support Amazon gives you makes such a difference,” says Herbie. “If you need more time or reminders, they’re there for you. But they don’t smother you either.”
For Charlie, the transformation has been personal. “Confidence in talking to people is the big one for me. When I first started, I’d only give one-word answers. Now I can have a full conversation.”
Oliver's biggest shift has been in connection. “My communication has come on so much. I’m more confident speaking to people in person now.” A particular highlight? The working relationship he’s built with Mo, one of the site’s managers. “He’ll come to me when he needs support with problem solving. Knowing someone trusts you like that means a lot.”
Sean points to an achievement beyond the delivery station: “I’ve got much better at travelling independently, which I’m really proud of.”
“Just be yourself”
Photo by ©UNP 0845 600 7737Back in Rugby, Brandon – Jamie’s fellow intern – has advice for anyone considering the programme: “Don’t overthink it, don’t be afraid, and just be yourself. There are loads of people here to support you. Just take it one step at a time.”
Jamie agrees: “My advice to anyone thinking about doing this programme would be go for it, and never give up.”
Photo by ©UNP 0845 600 7737As for what’s next? Many of this year’s graduates hope to stay at Amazon. “Ever since I started, I’ve loved it here. I hope to stay here for many years,” says Brandon.
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, says: “These young people’s journeys are a brilliant reminder of what is possible when young people with a learning disability and/or autism are given a real chance to shine. We’re incredibly grateful to have host business partners like Amazon, who continue to open doors that might otherwise have been closed.”
