These programmes help to prepare those receiving unemployment benefits to apply for jobs in a new area of work. Placements are designed to help meet your immediate and future recruitment needs as well as to recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business.
SWAP is administered by Jobcentre Plus and available in England and Scotland. A sector-based work academy can last up to six weeks.
Placements have three main components: pre-employment training (which is matched to your sector’s needs), a work experience placement, and then a guaranteed job interview or help with an employer’s recruitment process.
This is a flexible programme that can be tailored to meet your recruitment needs: you can recruit staff with the right training and skills from the outset, and get the opportunity to provide work experience placements for potential employees to ensure they are suited to that type of role and to your company. Placements also allow developmental opportunities for existing employees, for example by working on their mentoring, supervisory and coaching skills.
The Department of Work and Pensions provides a full employer guide on SWAP.
