Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to integrate sector-specific skills training pathways into core Jobcentre Plus support services.

DWP is integrating skills support into core Jobcentre Plus services by enabling Work Coaches to identify claimants’ skills gaps and refer jobseekers to provision aligned with labour market demand, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships, local training provision and work experience placements. This is being strengthened through the Government’s reforms to Jobcentre Plus and the development of the new Jobs and Careers Service, with closer alignment between employment support, careers advice and locally available skills provision. Jobcentres also work with employers, colleges, training providers and local partners to help ensure support reflects local and sectoral skills needs.

Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) play a key role in delivering sector-specific skills pathways through Jobcentre Plus. SWAPs are developed with employers and training providers to meet recruitment needs in sectors experiencing demand, including health and social care, construction, logistics, hospitality, security and the public sector. Participants receive sector-specific pre-employment training alongside a work experience placement and a guaranteed job interview, or support through an employer's recruitment process. This approach enables customers to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required for vacancies within a particular sector, while recognising and building on transferable skills to support people to move into new sectors and develop new career pathways. The programme also helps employers access a pipeline of job-ready candidates.