Amazon has announced plans to quadruple the number of supported internships for young people with learning disabilities, aiming to help over 1,000 individuals into employment by 2030. The programme, which currently operates at 25 sites across the UK, will expand to more than 40 sites.
According to charity Mencap, only 5% of people with a learning disability are employed, despite 86% wanting a paid job. Amazon launched its supported internship scheme in 2021 for young people aged 18 to 24 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including autism.
The company has partnered with charity DFN Project SEARCH to support nearly 300 young people so far, with more than 80 securing permanent roles at Amazon. Each intern undertakes a structured placement at an Amazon fulfilment centre, combining classroom learning with hands-on work experience, supported by a dedicated job coach.
John Boumphrey, Amazon's UK boss, said: 'More than nine in 10 people with learning disabilities in this country are unemployed, despite the vast majority wanting to work. That's not a skills gap, that's a failure of imagination on the part of employers.'
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, welcomed the move, stating: 'Amazon's decision to quadruple its supported internships programme for young people with learning disabilities and autism is the kind of employer leadership to help turn this around.'
