Zarah ChoudharyThe Government has expanded the Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs), a workplace training scheme aimed at helping thousands of employers and individuals looking for work.
This will mean surpassing the scheme’s previous target of 80,000 and offering new opportunities in some of the country’s most deprived communities.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern will confirm the expansion of SWAPs to provide 100,000 more places available over the next financial year, a boost of over a quarter from this year.
SWAPs offers participants in England and Scotland who are receiving certain benefits the opportunity of training towards a job in a particular industry, alongside a work placement and a guaranteed interview.
More than 63,000 people have joined the SWAPs programme to help them find employment in the last year alone.
The expansion came as research showed that in the two years after finishing a SWAP, participants stayed in their jobs on average up to three months longer, earned up to £1,400 more, and saved the taxpayer over £350 per person compared with those who did not take part in the programme.
The same research found that, while all demographics benefitted from taking part in a SWAP, the impact was greater for more disadvantaged groups, such as older customers and those with restrictive health issues.
The announcement built on measures in the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper to overhaul jobcentres, tackle inactivity and improved outcomes for jobseekers.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP said: “The evidence is clear – 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, as we Get Britain Working as part of our Plan for Change.
“And alongside our partnership with UKHospitality, more people in more areas of the country will be able to access the training they need to unlock the opportunities on their doorsteps.
“Anyone in receipt of unemployment benefits is eligible to take part in a SWAP via their local Jobcentre and any business can work with DWP to develop one.
“This enables businesses to recruit from a wider range of candidates and provide the necessary skills training tailored to an open vacancy.”
As part of this expansion, a hospitality SWAPs pilot, launched in partnership with UKHospitality, will be rolled out to 26 new areas in need of jobs and opportunity, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool.
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said: “UKHospitality’s Sector-Based Work Academy pilot proved to be a brilliant way to provide high quality, entry-level training for both new starters and those looking to get back into work.
“I’m delighted that the government is rolling out our pilot to 26 new areas and using it as the model for its exciting plans to deliver at least 100,000 SWAP participants next year.
“This announcement gives us the impetus to expand our work across the country, help more people find rewarding jobs in hospitality, boost growth, tackle economic inactivity and continue to develop our Hospitality Skills Passport.”
