Government-funded skills and training scheme expanded

A government-backed skills and training scheme is to be expanded to offer more than 100,000 places.

The Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) offers people who receive unemployment benefits:

• training towards a job in a particular sector
• a work placement
• a guaranteed interview, or help with the application process

In the last year alone, the SWAPs programme has helped more than 63,000 people find employment.

The government believes offering more places will create new opportunities in some of the most deprived parts of the country.

Figures show that in the two years after finishing after finishing a SWAP, participants can:

• boost their earnings by up to £1,400
• stay in their jobs up to three months longer on average

“The evidence is clear,” said employment minister Alison McGovern.

“SWAPs boost your earnings and keep you in your job for longer. 

“That is why we are promising to deliver more of them than ever.”

Hospitality pilot rolled out to 26 new areas

The expansion includes a hospitality SWAPs pilot, launched in partnership with UKHospitality, being rolled out to 26 new areas.

This includes 13 coastal towns such as Blackpool and Scarborough, which the government says are “in need of jobs and opportunity”.

“More people in more areas of the country will be able to access the training they need to unlock the opportunities on their doorsteps,” Ms McGovern said.

Who can take part?

You can apply through your local Jobcentre if you:

• are aged 16 or over
• live in England and Scotland
• are claiming universal credit, jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance
• have basic employability skills and don’t need extra support