Amazon has revealed its intention to increase the number of young individuals with learning disabilities participating in supported internships fourfold. Only 5% of people with learning disabilities are employed, despite 86% desiring paid work, as reported by Mencap. Challenges such as completing application forms and lack of necessary workplace assistance are hindering their employment opportunities.
In 2021, Amazon initiated a supported internship program for young individuals aged 16 to 24 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including autism. Collaborating with the charity DFN Project SEARCH, Amazon has assisted nearly 300 young people at 25 UK locations, with over 80 securing permanent positions at Amazon. The company is recognized as the leading private sector provider of supported internships in the nation.
Participants undergo structured placements at Amazon fulfillment centers, blending classroom instruction with practical work exposure. Each individual is paired with a dedicated job coach for personalized guidance and workplace mentorship to enhance their practical skills, confidence, and independence.
Amazon’s future plans include expanding the program to assist over a thousand young people with learning disabilities and autism in securing employment by 2030. The success story of Rhys, who transitioned from a supported internship to a permanent role at Amazon’s Swansea fulfillment center, showcases the program’s positive impact.
John Boumphrey, Amazon’s UK leader, emphasized the need to address the high unemployment rate among individuals with learning disabilities, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for this demographic. By 2030, Amazon aims to expand the program to over 40 sites, supporting a more significant number of young individuals into the workforce.
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, praised Amazon’s commitment to quadrupling its supported internships program, emphasizing the role of employers in creating inclusive pathways for young individuals with disabilities to pursue fulfilling careers. He highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance youth employment opportunities, investing £2.5 billion to create 500,000 earning and learning opportunities for young people.
