Government-funded skills and training scheme beats target

A government-backed skills and training scheme has surpassed ministers' target.

The Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) offers people who receive unemployment benefits:

• training towards a job in a particular sector
• a work placement
• a guaranteed interview, or help with the application process

The government had aimed to provide 80,000 places in the last financial year.

But this target was exceeded, with 86,640 places being provided.

This means that since the scheme was launched four years ago, the total number of SWAPs places now stands at 370,560.

The government is now expanding the SWAPs scheme this to offer more than 100,000 places this year.

How successful have SWAPs been?

According to government figures, in the two years after finishing after finishing a SWAP, participants can:

• boost their earnings by up to £1,400
• stay in their jobs up to three months longer on average

“SWAPs help people to stay in work for longer and boost their pay, while getting businesses loyal staff with the right skills,” said work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall.

“This kind of support is crucial to get people back to work, as we continue to unlock growth, improve living standards and break down barriers to opportunity for people across the country.”

Who can take part?

You can apply through your local Jobcentre if you:

• are aged 16 or over
• live in England and Scotland
• are claiming universal credit, jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance
• have basic employability skills and don’t need extra support