The offer
We want to establish occupational skills development to move individuals into jobs quickly through SWAP/SG. Once in work, we want to see that support continue through an in-work progression offer either through entitlement listed qualifications at level 2/3 or apprenticeships. This is to enable individuals to progress to better-paid work whilst achieving valuable qualifications to underpin progression.
In many cases we expect SBWAP/SG to be a non-regulated offer to provide flexibility to the provider in delivering what is required as opposed to a set of qualifications that provide a rigid framework to delivery.
The following sets out our definitions for SWAP and SG and the mandatory elements we expect to see in these offers
Sector Based Work Academies (SWAP)
SWAP is a JCP+ branded programme and can last up to 6 weeks in length. In SWAP we expect that employers are consulted in its design and a guaranteed job interview is available to the resident at the end of the programme. Mandatory elements are as follows:
Work collaboratively with JCP+ to support identified residents into work
Occupational specific training related to the job opportunity is both regulated and non-regulated. Employability is only supported by 30 GLH non-regulated offers.
Relevant work experience related to the job (supported by flexibility by the WMCA)
Job interview at the end of the programme
Last no more than 6 weeks
Sector Gateway (SG)
SG is short and sharp training bespoke to roles across are a range of industries. These programmes are designed to focus on the key skills required to secure the job role and should be aligned to job vacancies. We have already designed a range of SG programmes and these can be found later in this document with the associated GLH and funding rate. Mandatory elements:
Collaboration with JCP+ and/or National Careers Service
Occupationally specific non-regulated training
Job interview at the end of the programme