This week we launched the first of this round of Sector-Based Word Academy Programmes (SWAP).
This programme is designed to support the long-term unemployed people, to make their way into employment. To do this we deliver a 6-week course covering 4 construction skills including plumbing, tiling, decorating, and bricklaying. During this course, the participants are trained using alternative teaching, person-centred approached, and hands-on learning. Additionally, the participants take a L1 Health and Safety exam, with them qualifies them for entry into the CSCS card exam. The CSCS card is a huge achievement for any of our participants as this allows them to work on construction sites and denotes safe working and competency. As the final stage of this journey into employment, we partner with organisations within the construction field, to provide a guaranteed job interview for all who complete the course.
Every stage of this programme is designed to build confidence and develop the practical skills that the participants need to work on a real construction site.
We are able to deliver this course due to funding from the CPCA and CCF, and out partners at the Job Centre Plus.
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In our first session on Monday 24/11, we welcomed 15 participants onto our course. Our participants came from different background and different levels of construction experience, but they all have one thing in common: an excitement and passion to take on this challenge as a step on their journey to employment.
Our participants were in two groups, covering plumbing and tiling skills. Each participant got stuck in, showed great potential, and learned a lot. With lots of talent, enthusiasm and positive feedback, the first week was a great success. We look forward to watching these passionate individuals grow in confidence an ability, into qualified and capable construction workers.
Being unemployed long-term does not mean that you have no value. It does not mean that you have no skills. And it does not mean that you should be written off. That is why we run these programmes: to support these people with the aim to show them that they are capable, to give them hope, and to facilitate employment opportunities.
