Sector-based work academy
programme
Working with employers to provide real job opportunities
For Employers
The sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) can support you to create a skilled workforce for your business. Sector-based work academies help prepare those receiving unemployment benefits to apply for jobs in a different area of work. Placements are designed to help meet your immediate and future recruitment needs as well as to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business.
SWAPs last up to six weeks, Placements have 3 main components:
- pre-employment training – matched to the needs of your business sector
- work experience placement – a great opportunity for your business to identify talent and for the individual to cement their knowledge and understanding of the required role
- a guaranteed job interview or help with an employer’s recruitment process
Guaranteed job interview
A guaranteed job interview for one of your vacancies will provide participants with valuable interview experience and allow you to select the most appropriate candidate for the job
For Participants Seeking Work
Sector-based work academy programme (SWAPs) is an opportunity to learn new skills and get experience of working in a particular industry, for example care, hospitality or warehouse work.
The programme is designed to help jobseekers, who are claiming either Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), to build confidence, improve job prospects and enhance CVs.
Participants will continue to receive benefits whilst taking part in a SWAP, and if you need to travel to the employer’s place of work or to where the training is held, you may be able to receive help covering the cost of public transport or appropriate childcare.
The programme is designed to help improve job prospects, help employers fill jobs, as each SWAP is linked to one or more genuine job vacancy. While you’re not guaranteed to get a job from completing a SWAP, it does help you to improve your chances of gaining employment in that sector.
Is a SWAP For Me?
If you are claiming Universal Credit, JSA or ESA, live in England or Scotland, and are looking for work, then a SWAP could be a great way to find a new job.
SWAPs is available in many different industries, including, warehouse, hospitality and social care.
If you are interested in taking part in a SWAP, you will need to talk to your work coach, who will discuss with you the kind of opportunities available in your local area and if a SWAP is right for you.
PET-Xi graded good by Ofsted for all areas including Adult Learning Programmes
“Learners who study team leading and customer service develop significant new knowledge. For example, in team leading, learners develop an understanding of working in teams and how to manage conflict. As a result, these learners are better prepared for their next steps.”
“Teachers and trainers provide focused and effective support for learners. Leaders and teachers understand thoroughly many of learners’ barriers to learning. Where learners fall behind, teachers provide rapid extra support and tuition.”
“The majority of learners who follow courses that have interviews with employers (such as customer service and team leading) move into employment.”
Ofsted Report 28 September to 1 October 2021
