Three young people from Swansea have boosted their career skills by taking part in a Supported Internship at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea Bay. Amazon launched its Supported Internship programme in 2021, to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to gain work experience and skills as they transition to employment.
Latest figures show that just 4.8% of people with a learning disability and autism, that are known to adult social care, are employed. Supported Internships form part of a Government scheme designed to help change this stat, helping young people with additional educational needs and disabilities gain work experience as they transition from education to employment.
In 2023, Amazon started to work with national charity DFN Project Search, to expand their programme to help more people with SEND gain invaluable workplace skills. The internship combines classroom education and practical work experience in different Amazon roles to provide a rounded experience for interns.
Ricardo Pesarillo (20), Matthew Norman (18) and Lewis D’Angeli-Squires (21) from Swansea are some of the young people who have taken part in a Supported Internship at the Amazon fulfilment centre in the city.
Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis have now completed their internships and have taken permanent roles at Amazon in Swansea Bay, working in the customer returns team.
Ricardo explains the journey he’s been on through the internship programme. “I started my internship late last year, and I’ve moved around different teams during my training. I’ve picked and packed products, and now I work in returns. I find my job interesting and varied and it’s been a great experience for me,” he said.
Amazon is Ricardo’s first job, and he explains what he likes about working at Amazon. “The team here is great,” he said. “They’re so friendly, helpful and they’re a real laugh. I enjoy coming to work and getting to know people – that’s been massive for me. You spend a lot of time with your colleagues, and I feel lucky to have the workmates I have. They have helped me so much during my internship.”
Ricardo also called out the support that Amazon provides for his community. “The people are great here, but so is the work the company does in the community. We have lots of events, support local charities and do volunteering. I really like that,” he said.
During Matthew’s time on the Amazon Supported Internship programme, he says has learned new skills. What’s the most important skill or ability he’s learned? “I think it’s my confidence,” he said. “When I first started with Amazon, I was reluctant to ask people for help. I didn’t have the confidence to talk to people. Now I am settled here, I feel more able to ask for support when I need it. My team is always there to help me and that has helped me to approach them for help. I am comfortable talking to anyone now and that’s made a big difference for me.”
Does Matthew have a highlight from his time so far at Amazon? “Working on the picking team on Valentine’s Day was lots of fun,” he said. “I saw a lot of last-minute orders coming through from people who must have forgotten to buy a gift for their partner, and I enjoyed helping them with that special purchase.”
Speaking about his future, Matthew reveals that he has big ambitions for his career at Amazon. “I would love to keep working my way up to one day become a team leader,” he said. “After that, I’d love to train in robotics and move to Amazon in the US – that’s my dream!”
Lewis gives a special mention to his Swansea colleagues. “The team here is amazing. They look after all of us interns and they’re always there to support us. They also join in when we play pool competitions in the canteen. I really like that,” he said.
Reflecting on his time on the Amazon Supported Internship programme, Lewis reveals what advice he’d give himself on day one if he could go back in time. “Listen to everyone,” he said. “If you listen to your instructors and you follow all the rules, you will not go wrong. Try to enjoy it too. Be confident that it will work out for the best.”
How has the internship programme helped Lewis? “I’ve found my voice. I’ve become more assertive. I’ve learned that I have a contribution to make, and I should not be afraid to speak up, inside and outside work. It’s something my Mum has commented on too. It’s a big deal for me,” Lewis said.
Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis completed their Supported Internship at Amazon in June. Their success was celebrated at a graduation ceremony at the Swansea fulfilment centre, which was attended by their families and Amazon colleagues.
Amazon Swansea Site Leader, Dan Boulger, said: “It’s been great to have Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis complete their Supported Internships at Amazon in Swansea. We’ve loved having them on the team throughout their internship and are looking forward to welcoming them to the team as they join us as employees. The graduation ceremony was a great way to celebrate all the interns in this years as they progress to the next stages of their careers.”
“It has been brilliant to hear young people speak about their Supported Internship journeys with Amazon this year and to join in with the graduation celebrations across our sites. Young people like Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis talking about the experiences they have had, the skills they have learnt and the opportunities opening up is the definition of success for our collaboration. I am excited to see what we can achieve in the future.” – Carmel McKeogh, Chief Executive, DFN Project SEARCH
Since 2021, there have been over 50 Supported Internship interns based in various Amazon operations sites across the UK. Many interns, like Ricardo, Matthew and Lewis, have gone on to work full time at Amazon.
To learn more about Amazon’s Supported Internship programme with DFN Project Search visit About Amazon UK.
To find out more about Amazon’s commitment to being an inclusive employer for people with disabilities – https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/amazon-disability-confident