A SWAP can give you an opportunity to learn new skills and get experience of working in a particular industry such as care, construction or warehouse work. At the end of the programme, you’ll often get an interview with an employer.
The offer:
On a SWAP you get:
- pre-employment training – a short module of vocational training run by a local college or training provider
- work experience with an employer, where you can learn new skills on the job
- a job interview with an employer in the sector at the end of the programme, or if an interview cannot be offered, help with the application process
Available to:
- Jobseekers aged 16+ claiming either Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in England and Scotland.
Time and course type:
- A SWAP can last up to 6 weeks
- Courses can be classroom-based, on-the-job, online or a mix
Cost:
- Free and you will continue to get benefits whilst taking part in a SWAP
- If you need to travel to the employer’s place of work or to where the training is held, you may be able to get help with the cost of public transport or appropriate childcare
Further information:
Find out more about SWAPs (external website). You can also discuss taking part in a SWAP with your work coach.
Find out about skills and work in Scotland (external website) and Wales (external website).
