Recruiting with purpose, training for precision
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) are one of the most effective, risk-free recruitment tools available to employers.
SWAPs are short, government-funded programmes designed to prepare jobseekers with the skills and experience needed to move into employment.
Tailored to employer needs and lasting up to six weeks, they combine pre employment training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview or recruitment support.
Strategic impact for your business
SWAPs enable you to trial potential employees, and provide a rapid pipeline of candidates who have been trained in the exact skills you need. They are also fully government-funded, meaning there is no cost to your business.
How it works
Step One: Strategic vacancy mapping
We don’t just find people for your needs, but help build a curriculum around your specific job description. The process starts with a consultation to ensure SWAPs are right for you.
- Bespoke curriculum design: Our team works with your HR team to identify “must-have” technical skills and soft skills (such as punctuality, communication, or specific H&S protocols) for your role.
- DWP partnership liaison: we help handle the coordination with Jobcentre Plus to tap into the local labour market, ensuring your vacancy reaches a diverse and motivated pool of jobseekers.
- Timeline planning: we determine the duration of the SWAP (typically 2-6 weeks) and schedule the training to align with your next recruitment intake.
What do employers get from UCS College Group?
We’re here to support your SWAP journey with our expert team.
What will it cost you?
SWAPs are fully government-funded – there is no cost to your business for the training, and candidates continue to receive their benefits.
| Feature | Employer Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Training Delivery | £0 | 100% fully funded by the government |
| Recruitment & Sourcing | £0 | Handled by UCS College Group & Jobcentre Plus |
| Candidate Wages | £0 | Candidates remain on their benefits during the SWAP |
| PPE/Equipment | £0 | Often covered by the programme’s support funds |
Source: Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
Bridging the gap between talent and opportunity
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) are a cornerstone of the UK’s “Plan for Jobs.” They offer a unique “try before you buy” recruitment model that benefits both the employer and the local community.
At UCS College Group, we specialise in making these programmes seamless, ensuring that the training delivered is not just “general knowledge” but a direct reflection of your company’s operational standards.
Hospitality, Catering, and Customer Service
Strode College specialises in SWAP programmes for the Hospitality & Catering sector, utilising a training kitchen and restaurant for excellent skills delivery. They also offer SWAPs in customer service and have a connection with Network Rail.
Health & Social Care
SWAPs in the Health & Social Care sector allow us to lean on our close partnership with the NHS, and participants use our replica ward environments to develop their skills.
The training phase is flexible, but usually lasts between two and six weeks.
No. Your only commitment is to provide a guaranteed interview for a genuine vacancy. You only hire the candidates who prove they are the right fit.
No, SWAPs are specifically designed to help you recruit new talent from the pool of people currently seeking work.
We can design SWAPs for almost any sector, including Construction, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Nuclear, and Digital.
Industry Sectors
UCS College Group is your gateway to workforce excellence. We offer a range of courses across multiple industry sectors, including Nuclear & Clean Energy, Construction, and Civil Engineering.
Workforce Development
We provide a comprehensive suite of workforce development solutions designed to bridge skills gaps, reduce recruitment costs, and foster a culture of technical excellence.
Partner with Us
We want to hear from employers. Your insight helps shape our curriculum, ensuring training provision is aligned with real industry requirements.
fully-funded (absolutely no fees for the employer).
lower recruitment time vs. traditional advertising methods.
risk. Assess performance in a low-stakes environment.