Scheme helps 3,000 try to find a route into work

Across England and Scotland, the total number of jobseekers supported by the Department for Work and Pensions scheme since April has exceeded the Government’s target of supporting 40,000 as part of the Plan for Jobs – and work coaches are continuing to refer people to the scheme every day.

The support sees jobseekers enrol on a six-week training programme in their chosen sector, during which they have the chance to learn new skills, gain hands-on work experience and build their contacts in a new line of work.

There is also a guaranteed job interview at the end of the course for an actual vacancy.

Employers from a range of sectors have already provided placements and offered vacancies through the scheme including the West Midlands Police, City of Wolverhampton College and Skills Training UK.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey said: “SWAPs are a brilliant way for jobseekers in the West Midlands to quickly find a route into a new sector. And with everyone guaranteed an interview, this is a programme that offers real hope and gets results.”

Minister for Employment Mims Davies added: “Our focus is to create employment through our Plan for Jobs as well as supporting people to adapt to the changing labour market.

“We’ve got a variety of schemes in place to help every jobseeker progress as we push to build back better.”