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
- Department for Works and Pensions, An introduction to the sector-based work academy programme, updated 18 August 2020, accessed 16 November 2020
- Nottingham University Hospitals, Sector-based work academies, accessed 16 November 2020