Timi and Hayden’s Journey at Amazon
Timi (now 21) and Hayden (now 20) were two of five interns from the first cohort in 2024 to secure paid roles after completing the supported internship programme. Their journeys show the lasting impact that having the right support and real workplace experience can have.
Starting Out: Building Skills and Confidence
Before joining the Amazon Supported Internship, both Timi and Hayden were studying at college – Timi in sports coaching, and Hayden in in health and social care. Like many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), they were unsure about their next steps.
The supported internship gave them a chance to explore the workplace while continuing to learn. During the programme, they gained hands-on experience across different departments at Amazon’s fulfilment centre, supported every step of the way by ECL Job Coaches, USP College tutors and Amazon mentors.
At the time, Timi said he enjoyed learning about how items move through the fulfilment centre from receiving to dispatch and valued the practical experience on the shop floor. Hayden highlighted how much he had grown in confidence; thanks to the supportive environment and the way information was broken down into manageable steps.
Both left the programme with stronger skills, greater confidence, and an ambition to secure paid employment with Amazon.
Taking the Next Step: Transitioning into Full-Time Work
Today, both Timi and Hayden work full-time as Amazon Associates at the LCY2 site in Tilbury, each working 40 hours a week. Their roles involve working across different areas of the warehouse, supporting the flow of goods and ensuring operations run smoothly.
The transition from intern to employee wasn’t without its challenges. Hayden reflects honestly:
“The transition from intern to work was a bit shaky. I had to do a lot of additional training which I didn’t expect.”
Despite this, he persevered, building on the strong foundation he developed during his internship. That experience proved invaluable.
“I don’t think I’d have got this job without the experience I’d gained on the internship.”
Hayden, Amazon Supported Internship
Now settled into his role, Hayden particularly enjoys the variety his job offers:
“I like the flexibility, we go where we’re needed, so I get a lot of different jobs to do. I have the experience now to use my initiative. If I see someone who needs help, I go and help them out.”
He’s also proud to support current interns: “It’s nice to be able to help the interns if they need it too, as I’ve been where they are.”
I like the flexibility we go where we’re needed, so I get a lot of different jobs. I have the experience now to use my initiative.
Hayden, Intern, Amazon Supported Internship
Growing in Confidence and Independence
For Timi, securing a role at Amazon was a major milestone: “Amazon’s amazing - I was really pleased to get a job here.”
Like Hayden, he works across different functions in the warehouse and enjoys being part of a busy, supportive team.
ECL Job Coaches continue to provide support to all of the former interns that now work at Amazon. ECL Job Coach Clare Jenkinson says: “Our job coaching doesn’t end when the interns graduate. We are on hand to support their transition to full-time employment and are always there to help should they need us.”
Timi’s journey highlights the importance of this ongoing support at the start of his employment. He said:
“At the beginning I found it tough. I wasn’t happy in the department I was in, and the ECL job coaches supported me to ask to move departments and now I love it.”
The ECL Job Coaches helped Timi advocate for himself and find a role that better suited his strengths. While he no longer needs regular support, knowing it is there has been crucial in building his confidence.
Timi now takes pride in the independence his job brings.
He has also developed strong relationships at work:
“I’ve made a lot of friends at work too, which is nice. I have more confidence in myself now, and my family are really proud of me.”
I like the independence and flexibility working gives me. It’s good to be earning money, and it’s nice that I can help my mum out.
Timi, Amazon Supported Internship
Ambitions for the Future
Timi and Hayden’s stories demonstrate how supported internships not only lead to employment but also help young people discover new goals and opportunities. The positive impact of the increased confidence and purpose gained by securing paid employment often has a knock-on effect in other areas of people’s lives.
Both Timi and Hayden are focused on building their futures.
Hayden’s immediate goal is simple but meaningful:
“I like having my own money and independence. Next steps are just to work, do well and save.”
Timi also values financial independence but has additional ambitions. While he originally hoped to pursue football professionally, he has found a new path: “I’m saving up to start my own local football team and do some coaching alongside working here.”
A Programme That Delivers Real Impact
The Amazon Supported Internship is delivered through the national charity DFN Project SEARCH model, and is a partnership between ECL’s Inclusive Employment service, USP College and Amazon. It supports young people aged 18 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to transition from education into the workplace.
The programme combines classroom learning with real work experience in the fulfilment centre. Classroom learning is delivered on-site and covers employability skills, health and safety, and English and maths.
ECL job coaches provide daily support, while USP College tutors deliver the academic elements and Amazon mentors guide interns in the workplace. This structured approach ensures that interns gain both practical experience and essential life skills, preparing them for sustainable employment.
Its success speaks for itself. In the first year, 5 out of 6 interns secured paid employment, while in the second year, 5 out of 7 also moved into paid roles at Amazon.
Andrea Smith, ECL Assistant Director of Operations, explains: “Supported internships can change the lives of young people with SEND by providing them with the right environment to thrive.”
Clare Jenkinson, ECL Job Coach, has seen that impact firsthand:
Timi and Hayden have grown so much in their first year of work. It’s really good to see them become so independent.
Clare Jenkinson, Job Coach, ECL
“Timi and Hayden have grown so much in their first year of work. It’s really good to see them become so independent. We’re really proud of them and the other year one cohort that now work at Amazon.”
Timi and Hayden’s journeys show what is possible when the right support meets the right opportunity - creating not just jobs, but long-term, meaningful careers.
Timi’s advice to the interns that follow in his footsteps sums it up best:
“Enjoy it and make the most of this opportunity.”
Find Out More
ECL’s Inclusive Employment team supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to achieve their ambitions of paid employment, while helping employers create more inclusive workplaces.
To learn more, visit: www.ecl.org/inclusive-employment
Or contact: julie.clark@uspcollege.ac.uk to find out more about the supported internship programme