SWAPs are short, government‑funded programmes designed to help unemployed people gain the skills, experience, and connections needed to move into a specific industry.
What a SWAP usually includes
- Pre‑employment training linked to a specific sector (e.g. rail, construction, finance)
- Industry‑focused employability support
- A guaranteed interview or strong employer engagement at the end
Railway Maintenance Engineering (SWAP / PET)
Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) is delivering Railway Maintenance Engineering information sessions every Friday for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the rail sector. These sessions allow prospective learners to meet tutors, view facilities, and learn more about the course before enrolling.
The programme includes accredited Railway Engineering Maintenance training, funded Personal Track Safety (PTS) and Track Induction Course (TIC) qualifications, small tools training, and a guaranteed interview with a railway employer. The course responds to skills shortages in the rail industry and supports residents into sustainable employment.
Location: James Watt College, Great Barr
Sessions: Every Friday (IAG sessions)
Eligibility: Aged 19+, unemployed, in receipt of UC/JSA
Lloyds Banking Group – Customer Service Pathway
Birmingham Metropolitan College, working with Lloyds Banking Group, is offering a customer service training opportunity for individuals interested in careers within the financial services sector.
The programme provides insight into the role of a Customer Service Support Advisor and includes employability training, accredited customer service qualifications, mock interviews, and feedback from Lloyds’ recruitment teams. Participants gain practical skills to support progression into sustainable employment within an inclusive organisation.
This course supports local residents to develop workplace skills, confidence, and understanding of the financial services sector.
BBV Skills Academy – Administrative Roles in Construction
Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College, is offering training pathways into administrative roles within the construction sector. Roles include CDE Information Management, Legal Administration, HR Administration, and SE&I Administration.
The programme supports individuals to gain sector-specific administrative skills and improve employability within large-scale infrastructure projects. Previous cohorts have resulted in paid work trials and progression into full-time employment, highlighting the programme’s impact and success.
This initiative supports civic duty by enabling access to skilled employment pathways within the regional construction industry.
