Asda doubles internship programme for young people with additional needs
Asda has announced a major expansion of its supported internship programme, which it described as reaffirming its commitment to creating employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities or difficulties.
Asda has doubled the number of interns and stores participating in this year’s programme, with 119 students expected to start a placement in the coming weeks across 22 Asda stores nationwide, offering year-long placements that combine real-world experience with tailored education.
Delivered in partnership with charity DFN Project SEARCH, the programme aims to tackle the stark employment gap facing young people with special educational needs. Only 4.8 per cent of people in England with a learning disability go on to secure paid employment once their education finishes compared with 80 per cent of their peers, according to new data.
DFN Project SEARCH aims to support 10,000 young adults who have a learning disability, or are autistic, or both into paid employment by 2030 and has already helped more than 2,900 people to date.
The initiative has significantly increased during the last two years and has now provided over 70 students with the opportunity to grow in confidence, learn new skills and ultimately gain employment once they finish their studies.
After 66 students took part during the 2024/2025 programme across 11 stores, 46 per cent have already secured employment.
As part of the programme, Asda will continue to work with local colleges. The internship programme will provide students with a full-time course of study based at a nearby store, as well as access to work-based learning every day and a specific employability curriculum.
Helen Selby, Interim Chief People Officer for Asda, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be expanding our Supported Internship Programme, as we double down on our commitment to helping young people with learning disabilities into future employment.
“This initiative has had a clear and lasting impact on our stores and local communities over the past two years. With 46 per cent of last year’s interns securing jobs after their placement, we’re delighted to be promoting more accessible pathways.”
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, said: "I'm delighted to see Asda continuing to expand and build on their commitment to create meaningful employment opportunities for young people with a learning disability, who are autistic, or both. We're incredibly grateful to have host business partners like Asda, whose stores continue to open doors that might otherwise have been closed, proving that inclusive employment isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business too. We wish this year's cohort the very best of luck in their new roles."