Latest news with #SWAPs
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbria Tourism attends King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
The Cumbria Tourism team recently attended His Majesty the King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of its work improving access to employment, skills development and career opportunities within the visitor economy. Rachel Tyson, Cumbria Tourism's Head of Partnerships & Projects attended His Majesty the King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace along with Partnerships & Project Executive, Molly Hill to recognise their work with young people to improve access to employment, skills development and career opportunities. The invitation reflects Cumbria Tourism's wide-ranging efforts to tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing the sector, recruitment and retention. (L) Molly Hill, partnerships and project executive at Cumbria Tourism, and (R) Rachel Tyson, managing director (Image: Supplied) From the aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic to the evolving needs of the modern workforce, the organisation has been leading initiatives to futureproof the £4.7 billion visitor economy. These include: The Tourism Talent Hub, developed in partnership with local colleges and universities, to connect jobseekers with live vacancies, skills bootcamps, and on-the-job training opportunities. Close collaboration with local schools, retirement-age workers, and job centres to engage people at all life stages, from students to those seeking a second career. Running and promoting Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to support those re-entering the workforce. Queen Camilla at the Garden Party (Image: Supplied) Working with employers to provide real job placements and interview opportunities at careers fairs and recruitment events across Cumbria. Partnering with charities including Growing Well Cumbria and People First to deliver employer training and provide tailored support for wellbeing, mental health, and inclusive employment. Supporting ex-offenders by providing direct routes into hospitality roles, helping people rebuild their lives through employment. King Charles at the garden party (Image: Supplied) Ms Tyson says: 'It was a real honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace and to represent Cumbria Tourism, our members and partners. "This recognition reflects the collective effort to make the visitor economy more inclusive, resilient and accessible to all. 'Whether it's supporting someone back into work, offering a young person their first step into the industry, or giving someone a second chance through employment, we're committed to making tourism a career option for everyone, not just a short-term job. 'Being recognised at this national level is a reminder of how important this work is, and how much it matters to the communities and businesses we serve.' Supported by Local Skills Improvement Plan, through Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council, Cumbria Tourism is committed to delivering long-term, practical solutions to tackle the skills gap and create meaningful career opportunities across the tourism and hospitality sector.
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP announces 100,000 work placements for people on certain benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that people claiming certain out-of-work benefits have the chance to benefit from Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) - these offer training, workplace placements and a guaranteed interview with an employer in industries with the most vacancies, such as hospitality and construction. In the last financial year, 86,640 places were provided, surpassing the UK Government's target of 80,000 over the period, helping tens of thousands of people into work and putting more money in people's pockets. With 100,000 places due to be available over this financial year, helping even more people into work, the DWP said these measures are a step towards achieving the 80 per cent employment rate and supporting the UK Government's growth mission. This comes as part of wider efforts to put more money into people's pockets and improve living standards, delivering on the Plan for Change. Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said: 'SWAPs help people to stay in work for longer and boost their pay, while getting businesses loyal staff with the right skills. 'That's why we are boosting the scheme even further next year, giving even more people access to these life-changing opportunities. 'This kind of support is crucial to get people back to work, as we continue to unlock growth, improve living standards and break down barriers to opportunity for people across the country with our Plan for Change.' All unemployed benefit claimants aged 16 or over living in Scotland or England on Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, who do not need extra support are eligible for help into work through the SWAPs programme. The programme aims to address a lack of basic employability skills and is part of the government's plan to Get Britain Working, as it overhauls jobcentres, tackles inactivity and improves outcomes for jobseekers. DWP research published earlier this year shows that in the two years after finishing a SWAP, participants stay in their jobs on average up to three months longer, earn up to £1,400 more, and save the taxpayer over £350 per person compared with those who don't take part in the programme. With over 86,000 SWAPs over the last financial year, it means the total number of SWAPs places now stands at 370,560 since the scheme launched in April 2021. As part of the wider expansion of SWAPs to 100,000 places this financial year, a new Hospitality SWAPs pilot will be available in 26 new areas with the greatest need for new jobs and opportunities, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool. As part of the Plan for Change the UK Government is also boosting the National Living Wage and creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill to make work pay and keep Britain working. SWAPs are developed by Jobcentres in partnership with employers and training providers. These opportunities are offered in job sectors with high volumes of current local vacancies.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Huge boost for unemployed Brits as 100,000 work placements up for grabs – how you can apply
A RECORD 100,000 training spots will be up for grabs this year as part of a major government push to get people into work. More than 86,000 have already taken part in the scheme, which gives people free training, a short work placement and a guaranteed interview for a real job. 2 2 It's called the Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) and it's open to anyone on Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment Support Allowance who is ready to work. It focuses on industries desperate for new recruits – from hospitality to construction. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: 'SWAPs help people to stay in work for longer and boost their pay, while getting businesses loyal staff with the right skills. 'That's why we are boosting the scheme even further next year, giving even more people access to these life-changing opportunities." The programme is now expanding, with a new hospitality pilot launching in 26 areas including 13 coastal towns like Scarborough and Blackpool. Sophie, who found a job as a domestic assistant for infrastructure support service provider Amey through the SWAP programme, said: "I really enjoyed the experience. I've worked in cleaning positions in the past, but this programme was unique and allowed me to see what working for Amey would feel like. I'm really proud of my work. 'Because of the great team here, I want to do a good job. When my sister told me she was looking for a job, I got her in touch with my Operations Manager and now she also works as a domestic assistant at another contract.' Supercharging SWAPs By LIZ KENDALL, Work and Pensions Secretary EVERY Sun reader will know someone who's tried to take their first step into a new career – only to be told that they don't have the experience they need. Up and down the country, there are people brimming with talent but struggling to get a foot in the door, to prove themselves and get that all important first break on the career ladder. In the last year, more than 86,000 places have been offered on our Sector Based Work Academy Programme – or SWAPs – providing training, hands-on experience, and the guarantee of an interview. Every one of the places means the chance for someone to get on in life, make the most of their talents, and explore new opportunities. Take Andrew, who took part in the SWAP programme after being unemployed for four years. He had previous experience in retail, but his low confidence after years out of work was holding him back. The SWAP programme rebuilt Andrew's confidence. After taking part in a taster day, work placement and gaining relevant qualifications, he is now a qualified retail floor manager with a permanent job, putting more money is his pockets. That is the life-changing difference the right support can make. So, this year, we're going even further – with 100,000 SWAP places up for grabs. We know this scheme works. Our research shows that in the two years after finishing a SWAP, people stay in their jobs up to three months longer on average, earn up to £1400 more a year, and save the taxpayer over £350 on the benefits they would otherwise be claiming. And it's also undoubtedly better for businesses, especially those crying out for staff in sectors such as hospitality and construction. My ambition as Work and Pensions Secretary is to achieve an 80% employment rate in support of this government's growth mission. SWAPs are the perfect step to achieving this as we put more money in people's pockets and improve living standards across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change. So, to anybody on Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance who fancies a fresh start, speak to our work coaches about SWAPs. And if you're running a business, get involved and hire your next star employee.
