Asda doubles internship programme for young people with additional needs

Asda has announced a major expansion of its industry-leading Supported Internship Programme, reaffirming the retailer’s commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities or difficulties.

Coinciding with National Inclusion Week (w/c 15th Sept), 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% of people in England / 4.1% in Scotland with a learning disability go on to secure paid employment once their education finishes compared to 80% of their peers[1].

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% have already secured employment.

As part of the programme, Asda will continue to work closely 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 experiential 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% 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.”

Asda’s Supported Internship Programme and partnership with DFN Project SEARCH has received multiple industry awards for its positive impact. Adele Quinn, Asda Queensferry General Store Manager, was recognised for her pivotal role in running the programme, picking up the Inclusion & Diversity Heros Award at Retail Week’s 2025 Awards.

The full list of participating stores are as follows:

Connor was one of 60 students across the UK who took part in Asda’s Supported Internship Programme, designed to help young adults with learning disabilities and / or autism gain meaningful paid work experience.

Connor joined Asda’s Mount Pleasant store in Hull last September, working within the George clothing department as part of a year-long placement gaining hands-on experience across the shop floor.

After a successful placement year, Connor has now secured a permanent role at the store and is walking away with more than just retail skills – he’s found confidence, purpose, and a clear path forward. He will now be stepping into a new challenge – mentoring the next cohort of interns as they begin their own journey with Asda.

Asda’s Supported Internship Programme is run in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH and Wilberforce College, and forms part of a national push to help more young people into high-quality permanent employment. With only 4.8% of adults with a learning disability in England securing paid employment compared to 80% of their peers, initiatives like this from Asda are helping to close the gap – and Connor’s story is proof that with the right support, anything is possible.