More young adults with SEN are being recruited for retail internships at Asda Weymouth.

Following the success of the first SEN supported internships programme with Asda Weymouth, a wider age group are being invited to apply.

The internships start at the superstore in Newstead Road in September and offer real work experience and on-site tailored education provided by specialist education provider South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC), fully supported by job coaches and workplace mentors.

Applications for September 2026 are now open to young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) aged 16-24.

SWRAC has centres in Dorchester, Bournemouth, and Winton and works with a wide variety of employers to meet the career aspirations of its learners and the needs of the employers in the local job market.

What does a retail internship at Asda Weymouth look like?

SWRAC Tutor Luke Britton said: “A supported internship provides a real bridge between education and the world of paid work, giving young people the independence of an employee, but with the safety net provided by their tutor and job coach.

“The Asda Weymouth programme begins with an induction and in-store training, and interns begin each day (Monday-Friday), with an hour of education (maths/English and a customer service qualification) before going to their area of work at the store.

“Work rotations enable the interns to experience all departments and a range of different careers, from customer service to clothing retail, warehousing, and food and homeware retail. It’s a hugely rewarding and potentially life-changing experience.”

Current intern Corey Anstey, 19, is approaching the end of the Asda Weymouth programme and hopes to be offered a paid position at the store.

He said: “I was at a specialist school before this and have really enjoyed doing something different and meeting new people.

“My dad was a little worried about me doing it at first, but he’s been impressed by how much I’ve been supported by Asda Weymouth and is proud of how well I am doing.

“It’s not a fake job. It’s a real job with real tasks, and people have trust in you.”

To find out more email katiekitchener@swrac.ac.uk

SWRAC recently appealed for volunteers to lend a hand at the popular community café at Radipole Lake Nature Reserve in Weymouth.

SWRAC, a specialist SEN college in Dorchester, runs the café, with many of its students gaining valuable life skills and growing in confidence.

The café was previously owned by the RSPB, but has been handed over to SWRAC. As reported in West Dorset Magazine, SWRAC will now be fully taking over the running of the Café.

The café was previously owned by the RSPB and lovingly managed day-to-day by SWRAC staff.

SWRAC CEO Adrian Gunner said: “We are not asking for a huge commitment – we are looking for people to volunteer half a day – and in doing so they will become part of us and be valued.

“We want their expertise and their passion and in return they will receive delicious refreshments and be part of life here.”

A new part-time warden is also being recruited and a bird sound recording device, bird reference library and disabled buggy will also be added in the coming months.

Volunteer Hilary said: “This place gives me a lift. I chat to people who come from all over to see the birds here, including overseas.”

If you would like to volunteer, email helenmasters@swrac.ac.uk

The café is open every day from 10am to 4pm and ready to welcome visitors with great coffee, tasty treats and stunning lake views.

The RSPB is scaling back its presence at the nature reserve, however SWRAC is planning an array of projects and features for bird enthusiasts.

You can find out more on the SWRAC Facebook page.