Planned Portal downtime
The Portal will be unavailable from 4:30pm on Friday 30 October until 8:30am on Monday 2 November. This is to support preparations for the integration of Active IQ with NCFE.
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)
What are SWAPs?
A Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) is a short programme of training lasting up to six weeks and includes three components:
- Pre-employment training
- Work placement opportunity within business
- Guaranteed job interview or assistance with the job application process.
A key strength of SWAPs is their flexibility. This allows programmes to be tailored to local employer, sector and regional needs. In a short time, learners gain industry knowledge, practical skills and confidence. They progress quickly towards work readiness.
See an example from one of our providers:
Week 1: 3 days of employability skills
Weeks 2–6: Level 2 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage
Week 6: interviews and job offers
Book a consultation
Download our
SWAP guides
How NCFE can support with your SWAP delivery
As the number one awarding organisation for adult funded education, NCFE brings sector expertise and insight. Our SWAP packages help you deliver programmes more simply and effectively.
We align your delivery with local labour market needs and national skills priorities. We work nationally and regionally to support key growth areas in Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).
Watch Emzi Mills-Frater, Product Manager, explain how Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) support people in developing skills and preparing for employment.
Watch now
How South Bank Colleges is creating pathways into the early years sector through SWAPs
Discover how South Bank Colleges is using Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to help adults gain skills, confidence, and enter rewarding careers in the early years sector, leading to sustainable employment.
Read the case study
Talk to us
Our SWAP packages are designed around sector and workforce needs. We can also help you create tailored packages for local priorities.
Complete our contact form to make your SWAP provision work for you.
FAQs
What is included in a sector-based work programme?
A Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) should have a clear purpose that aligns with learners' training needs, career aspirations, and local employment opportunities. It should combine high-quality training, learning, and assessment with the development of personal, social, and employability skills. Effective SWAPs are delivered in collaboration with partners such as employers and Jobcentre Plus, ensuring learners gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to progress into employment and achieve their career goals.
How do you design an effective SWAP curriculum?
An effective SWAP curriculum combines pre-employment training with practical workplace experience. Pre-employment training should focus on developing the essential skills participants need to succeed in work, while being aligned to the specific needs of businesses and the wider labour market. Employers and partner organisations can also contribute specialist training where appropriate. A work experience placement provides participants with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real working environment, develop job-ready skills, and gain valuable industry experience. The duration of the placement is agreed between the business and Jobcentre Plus to meet the needs of both the participant and the employer.