Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs)

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, construction 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.

SWAPs last up to six weeks, and consist of three parts:

• Pre-employment training – a short module of vocational training run by a local college or training provider
• Work experience with an employer in the industry, where you can learn new skills on the job
• At the end of the programme, either a job interview with an employer in the sector

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.