Asda becomes UK’s biggest supported internship provider with 210 new roles
Asda has become the UK’s largest supported internship provider following the creation of 210 new placement opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The internships will be offered across 35 stores nationwide.
Asda said the move means its supported internship programme now operates in more locations than any other UK business, as it looks to help young people with learning disabilities to eventually move into employment.
Subscribe to TRBOnly 4.8% of people in England and 4.1% in Scotland with a learning disability go on to secure paid employment after completing their education, compared with around 80% of their peers.
Asda’s year-long programme, delivered in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH, combines workplace experience with tailored education and employability training to help young people develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to get jobs.
Since Asda began working with DFN Project SEARCH in 2023, 43% of interns have progressed into employment, either with Asda or another business.
James Goodman, chief people officer at Asda, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be expanding our Supported Internship Programme and giving more young people with special educational needs the chance to gain real workplace experience.
“Supported internships have been shown to be an effective route into work and we’ve seen first-hand the difference these placements can make, helping young people to build confidence and take important steps towards paid employment.
“As we continue to grow the programme, we hope more young people can benefit from supported internships and the opportunities they create to build skills, gain experience and move into work.”
Kirsty Matthews, chief executive of DFN Project SEARCH, said: “We’re so grateful to work with companies like Asda because they demonstrate that when businesses make disability inclusion a priority, everyone benefits.
“These young people have so much to offer, and programmes like this give them the platform to showcase their talents and build meaningful careers. We look forward to continuing to work with Asda to reach our overall goal of supporting 10,000 young people into employment by 2030.”
