Bournemouth, Business | Posted on August 29th, 2025 | return to news

Internships offered to Dorset youth with SEND

Young people aged 18 – 25 have until 11 September to apply for the internship programmes at ASDA in Weymouth and Amazon in Poole.

Young people in Dorset with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have been invited to apply for ‘life-changing’ internships at ASDA Superstore in Weymouth and for Amazon in Poole.

The internships will offer real work experience and on-site tailored education, fully supported by job coaches and workplace mentors.

There are only eight places available on the Supported Internship programme (five with ASDA and three at Amazon), which is being organised by the South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC), an alternative education provider with centres in Dorchester, Boscombe, Winton, and Merley. SWRAC works with employers to meet the career aspirations of its learners and the needs of businesses in the local job market.

Three 18-year-olds from Dorchester — Brennan, Kayden and Ashley —were taken on a tour of the ASDA store and are now in the process of joining the programme.

Brennan said: “I have been at college with SWRAC for two years and feel this is the next step I need to get more confidence around people, which will then help me get into paid, full-time work.

“It has been interesting to come and have a tour of the whole store — the shop floor and behind the scenes in the warehouse — and to know that I will be working in lots of departments while I am here.”

SWRAC’s Director of Education Maria Fincham said: “These programmes are a bridge between education and the world of work, giving the interns the independence of an employee, but with the safety net provided by their tutor and job coach.

“It will be potentially life-changing for young people who are ready to take that next step towards paid employment.”

The supported internship will last for one academic year, beginning in September. After an induction and in-house training, participants will then work Monday to Friday. Each day will begin with an hour of education in maths/English and a customer service qualification, before going to their area of work.

At the end of each day, participants will have a half-hour reflection period with their tutor and job coach, to share feedback and address any concerns or anxieties.

Fincham added: “At the end of the programme we will review how it has all gone, and it is hoped that the interns will apply for any suitable roles available within ASDA and Amazon.”

The internship programme is open to people aged 18-25 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). To find out more about the programmes and to apply for a place, email referrals@swrac.ac.uk or call 01202 848099 and select option 1 to apply for Amazon OR option 2 to apply for ASDA.