Free Courses for Unemployed


Sector-based Work Academy Programmes

A Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) is an opportunity to learn new skills and get experience of working in a particular industry, for example care, retail or security.

The programmes are designed to help jobseekers, who are claiming either Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), to build your confidence, improve your job prospects and enhance your CVs.

SWAPs last up to six weeks, and consist of three parts:

  • pre-employment training – a short module of vocational training run by a local college or training provider
  • work experience with an employer in the industry, where you can learn new skills on the job
  • at the end of the programme, either a job interview with an employer in the sector or if an interview cannot be offered, help with the application process

The programme is designed to help improve job prospects and help employers fill jobs, as each SWAP is linked to one or more genuine job vacancy. While you’re not guaranteed to get a job from completing a SWAP, it does help you to improve your chances of gaining employment in that sector.

You can find out more information, including eligibility and requirements on the gov.uk website.

Is a SWAP for me?

If you are claiming Universal Credit, JSA or ESA, live in England, and are looking for work, then a SWAP could be a great way to find a new job.

You will continue to receive benefits whilst taking part in a SWAP, and if you need to travel to the employer’s place of work or to where the training is held, you may be able to receive help covering the cost of public transport or appropriate childcare.

If you are interested in taking part in a SWAP, you will need to talk to your work coach, who will discuss with you the opportunities available

SWAPs Available:

Care Academy

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate for Skills for Working
    in the Health, Adult & Child Care Sectors
  • City & Guilds Entry 3 Certificate in
    Customer Service
  • Employability Programme

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: Date TBC

Construction Gateway

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Health & Safety in Construction Level 1
  • Highfield Level 3 Emergency First aid at work
  • Construction Groundworks
  • Prefabricated Access Suppliers & Manufacturers
    Association Card (PASMA)
  • Construction Skills Certification Scheme Card (CSCS)

EMPLOYER LINKS: VGC

INFORMATION/ASSESSMENT DAY (duration is approx. 2hrs): 14 March 10am and 21 March 10am at the CAT Centre

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: Date TBC

NHS (Non-clinical Roles & Apprenticeships)

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BIIAB Level 1 in Business Administration
    (Non-Clinical)
  • City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate for Skills for Working
    in the Health, Adult & Child Care
    Sectors (Clinical)
  • City & Guilds Entry Level 3 in Customer Service
  • Employability Programme

EMPLOYER LINKS: Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

INFORMATION/ASSESSMENT DAY (duration is approx. 2hrs): Wed 22 March 10am at Black Country Skills Shop

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: Date TBC

Security SIA SWAP

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • City & Guilds Entry Level 3 in Customer Service
  • Employability Programme
  • Highfield Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work
  • Highfield Level 2 Door Supervisor
  • SIA Badge paid for by Dudley College

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: Date TBC

Civil Service

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BIIAB Level 1 in Business Administration
  • City & Guilds Entry Level 3 in Customer Service
  • Employability Programme

EMPLOYER LINKS: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

INFORMATION/ASSESSMENT DAY (duration is approx. 2hrs): Wed 8 March 10am at Black Country Skills Shop

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: date TBC

Hospitality

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Level 1 Award in Skills for Working in the Hospitality
    & Catering Industry
  • City & Guilds Entry Level 3 in Customer Service
  • Employability Programme

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: Date TBC

Retail

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Working
    in the Retail Industry
  • City & Guilds Entry Level 3 in Customer Service
  • Employability Programme

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: Date TBC

Warehouse & FLT Training

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • NCFE Level 2 in Principles in Warehousing & Storage
  • City & Guilds Entry Level 3 in Customer Service
  • Employability Programme
  • Counterbalance Forklift Truck Practical & ITSSAR
    Trained Operator Passport Scheme Card (TOPs Card)

COURSE DATE: Please enquire for details, there are many starts throughout the year.

MEET THE EMPLOYER: Date TBC

Interested?

Complete this form below and a member of the Black Country Skills Shop team will get back to you. Alternatively you can call us on 01384 363790.

SWAPs Enquiry

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