Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)

Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) form a targeted part of MAL’s employment-focused delivery. SWAPs are designed to support unemployed residents and those in receipt of benefits to gain sector-specific skills, workplace experience, and access to guaranteed job interviews, enabling progression into sustained employment.

MAL has been awarded additional Adult Skills Fund (ASF) funding by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to deliver SWAPs in Priority Sectors during the 2026/27 academic year. This funding forms part of London’s wider strategy to address sector-specific labour shortages while ensuring residents can access high-quality employment opportunities.

The SWAPs provision aligns with the priorities of the Merton Plan 2023–26: Building a Better Merton Together, by:

Supporting residents to access secure and sustainable employment

Developing provision that responds directly to labour market demand

Providing high-quality, employment-focused training pathways

Across London, the GLA utilises ASF funds to contribute to inclusive economic growth and improved employment outcomes. SWAPs play a key role in delivering this by creating direct pathways into jobs in sectors experiencing recruitment challenges.

The provision also aligns with the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for South London, which identifies the need for employer-led training and stronger pathways into work across priority sectors, and reinforces the importance of work readiness, sector knowledge, and employability skills.

2 extension option(s) available, 0 taken; up to 24 months in total