Sector Based Work Academies
The sector-based work academy programme (SWAP or SBWA) is a UK government scheme launched in 2013, which is intended to help create a skilled workforce in a business sector. Sector-based work academies help prepare people receiving unemployment benefits to apply for jobs in a new or different area of work. Work placements take place, which are designed to meet the business's immediate and future recruitment needs as well as to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow the company's business. SWAP is administered by Jobcentre Plus and available in England and Scotland.[1] A sector-based work academy can last for up to 6 weeks.
Placements have 3 main components:
- pre-employment training – matched to the needs of the host business sector, including CV writing, interview techniques and workplace etiquette [2]
- a work experience placement
- a guaranteed job interview or help with an employer's recruitment process
The scheme is a government workfare programme.
In Scotland the programme is funded through the Scottish government or other partner organisations. A similar programme is available through the Welsh government’s Employability Skills Programme for applicants in Wales.[1]
References
- "An introduction to the sector-based work academy programme". gov.uk. Department for Work and Pensions. 18 August 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- "Sector-based work academies". nuh.nhs.uk. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Retrieved 16 November 2020.