Supported Internships at Amazon: Empowering Young People with SEND

Strategic Insights -

Josh and Cody, two young individuals with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), have completed a ten-month supported internship programme at Amazon's Bathgate delivery station. The programme, launched in 2021 and expanded in 2023 through a partnership with national charity DFN Project Search, aims to equip young people with the skills, experience, and confidence they need to secure paid, meaningful employment. The internship provides classroom education and practical work experience in various roles within the Amazon fulfillment centre. Josh and Cody's experience was transformative, with both developing crucial workplace skills, building confidence, and forming genuine friendships with colleagues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 80 people with SEND will graduate from supported internships across 17 Amazon sites in 2023.
  • The supported internship programme at Amazon has seen over 160 young people start the programme since its launch in 2021.
  • More than 5 times as many young people with SEND want to work, with 86% aspiring to employment, despite only 5% of adults with SEND being in paid employment across England.
  • The Amazon supported internship programme provides classroom education and practical work experience in a variety of roles within the Amazon fulfillment centre.
  • Josh and Cody credit the supportive team at Amazon's Bathgate delivery station for their positive experience, citing their willingness to answer questions and provide explanations.
  • The programme is a partnership between Amazon and national charity DFN Project Search, established in 2023.

Statistics:

  • 86% of young people with SEND aspire to employment, despite only 5% being in paid employment across England [1].
  • Over 160 young people have started a supported internship with Amazon since the programme's launch in 2021.
  • More than 80 people with SEND will graduate from supported internships across 17 Amazon sites in 2023.
  • The supported internship programme at Amazon has a success rate of providing graduates with the opportunity to secure permanent roles at the company.

Sources:

  • [1] According to Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project Search, in an article by Zoe Kerr.