Asda has become the UK’s largest supported internship provider after creating 210 new placement opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Delivered in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH, the year-long programme combines workplace experience with tailored education and employability training, helping participants build skills and confidence across 35 stores, before moving into employment.
The expansion means Asda’s supported internship programme now operates in more locations than any other UK business.
Since the supermarket began working with DFN Project SEARCH in 2023, 43 per cent of its interns have progressed into employment with Asda or another business.
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The grocery retailer said the programme is designed to address the significant employment gap faced by young people with learning disabilities.
Just 4.8 per cent of people with a learning disability in England and 4.1 per cent in Scotland move into paid employment after completing their education, according to 2025 data from the Department of Health and Social Care, compared with around 80 per cent of their peers.
Asda chief people officer James Goodman 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.”
List of Asda stores offering a supported internship:
- Aintree
- Ashington
- Bedminster
- Blackburn
- Bury St Edmunds
- Carcroft
- Chesser
- Colne
- Dudley
- Farnworth
- Great Bridge
- Halesowen
- Hartlepool
- Hull
- Kendal
- Llandudno
- Longwell Green
- Minworth
- Nuneaton
- Oldbury
- Preston Fulwood
- Queensferry
- Queslett
- Sheffield (New)
- Small Heath
- St Matthews
- Stockton
- Swindon
- Swinton (RCS)
- Tipton
- Toryglen
- Wembley
- Weymouth
- Wolverhampton
- Workington
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