The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have announced that they will create more Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAP) in the next financial year increasing the number to 80,000.
SWAPs offer jobseekers across England and Scotland a six-week training programme, where they learn new skills, gain hands-on work experience and build their contacts in a new line of work. Whether it’s from aviation to care, or finance to logistics, every SWAP participant is guaranteed an interview at the end of their course for a live job vacancy.
This is all part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs : For more information on Plan for Jobs, you can read more about it visit the gov.uk website to find out more.
What is a Sector-based Work Academy (SWAP)
Sector-based work academies are developed with local employers to provide you with the right skills to fill vacancies in your local labour market. These can last up to 6 weeks, and include 3 main elements:
- pre-employment training
- a work experience placement
- a guaranteed job interview
Taking part in a sector-based work academy will improve your chances of getting into work.
How do I access a SWAP?
As a young person you can talk to the Job Centre and your Work Coach about this.
If you are an employer you can find out how you can access this by contacting the Employer Services Line on 0800 169 0178
What else is out there?
Whilst times are challenging there are still opportunities out there, you can use our website to explore more your options.
