An exciting new Supported Internship programme has been launched at Amazon’s Theale Distribution Centre, offering six young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) the chance to step into the world of work – many for the very first time.
Run in partnership with Activate Learning, DFN Project SEARCH and Ways into Work, the programme combines real workplace experience with personalised support to move disadvantaged learners closer to employment. For these young interns, it’s far more than just a placement – it’s a chance to grow in confidence, gain independence and build opportunities for their future.
All three partners have a wealth of experience in breaking down the barriers for young people with SEND. Activate Learning is an education group with an Ofsted OUTSTANDING rating for its SEND provision. DFN Project SEARCH is a national charity that enables young adults with SEND to secure meaningful permanent employment and Ways into Work is a successful local supported employment charity whose mission is ‘To Change Lives, One Job at a Time.’
On Monday 8 September, six successful candidates started a year-long programme of training and teaching delivered on the Amazon site in Reading, with rotations providing experience in logistics, staging, packing, reception security and other warehouse skills.
They are supported on site by two Ways into Work Job Coaches to understand employer expectations, develop transferrable skills and complete tasks specific to each rotation role.
Activate Learning’s employability tutor, Liz Banks, is delivering the interns’ employability education onsite to further embed the practical learning that the young people are gaining from their internship.
Michelle Parks, Group Director of Lifeskills Faculty and Reading College and University Centre, said: “We are incredibly proud to be working with Amazon, DFN Project SEARCH and Ways into Work to launch this new Supported Internship programme.
“At Activate Learning, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive and achieve their potential. This internship will give our learners not only the chance to develop valuable workplace skills, but also the confidence and independence to take their first steps into meaningful employment.
“Together with our partners, we are helping to break down barriers and open doors to a brighter future for young people with SEND.”
Alex Perkins, Senior Manager for Candidate Engagement at Amazon, said: “We’re excited to be expanding our supported internships to a variety of new Amazon sites this academic year. More than 80 people graduated from our scheme in the summer and we’re looking forward to bringing more brilliant people into our operations, including at our delivery station in Theale.”
Maurice George, CEO of Ways into Work, said: “Every young person deserves the chance to feel valued and have the right to work, and this programme proves what’s possible when we believe in them and work together to make their aspirations a reality.
“Ways into Work has a strong history of working with Activate Learning and has consistently achieved over 70% employment outcomes through its supported internship programmes. The latest employment figures highlight that only 4.8% of people with a learning disability in England and just over 20% of people with autism are in any form of paid employment, compared to 80% of their peers. There is a clear and urgent need to support more young people with a learning disability into the workforce.
“We are delighted to be working with DFN Project SEARCH, Activate Learning and Amazon to offer more supported internship opportunities in Berkshire. This partnership will create these urgently needed inclusive employment opportunities and empower young adults with SEND through specialised training and practical work experience.”
This marks the latest chapter in over 15 years of committed work to create inclusive employment opportunities across the region within the Activate Learning colleges. Thanks to strong relationships with partners organisations, local employers and local authorities, the programme continues to thrive and transform lives.
Many former interns have gone on to secure sustained, meaningful employment, with outcomes that extend far beyond the workplace, supporting self-esteem, independence and a real sense of belonging with our local communities. With employers frequently commenting on the commitment demonstrated by young people who have gone through a Supported Internship programme, it’s a win-win for young people and employers alike.
For more information about Supported Internship opportunities, visit the Activate Learning website or contact via 0800 612 6008.