{"id":1018,"date":"2025-05-08T12:16:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T12:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/portraitsbylorie.com\/?p=1018"},"modified":"2025-05-14T16:50:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T16:50:21","slug":"training-scheme-launches-to-build-skilled-hospitality-workforce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/portraitsbylorie.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/08\/training-scheme-launches-to-build-skilled-hospitality-workforce\/","title":{"rendered":"Training scheme launches to build skilled hospitality workforce"},"content":{"rendered":"

Local hospitality firms in 26 regions are encouraged to sign up to a government-backed training scheme that aims to build a skilled workforce for the sector amid an industry-wide struggle to recruit job-ready talent<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)<\/strong> aims to deliver 100,000 hospitality work placements (up from its previous target of 80,000) to those receiving unemployment benefits, so they can gain skills to work in the industry.<\/p>\n

Run in partnership by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the sector’s leading trade body UKHospitality, the scheme will launch in the East, Midlands, North, South East and South West of England.<\/p>\n

Staff shortages<\/a> have plagued the sector for years amid a hiring crisis<\/a> triggered by various causes including immigration changes and rising costs.<\/p>\n

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “This is an incredibly exciting programme and it is proven to deliver tangible benefits for both jobseekers and hospitality businesses.”<\/p>\n

What is a SWAP and how does it work?<\/h2>\n

SWAPs are a type of training scheme delivered in partnership between the government, Jobcentre Plus, and local training providers.<\/p>\n

Jobseekers aged over 18 will spend at least 10 days in a hospitality or classroom setting with an industry tutor, as well as five days’ work experience at a local pub, restaurant, or cafe that has signed up to the scheme.<\/p>\n

At the end of the programme, each trainee is guaranteed a job interview or help with making an application to a job in hospitality. UKHospitality has reported that 80% of those who completed the pilot course are now employed in hospitality.<\/p>\n

For employers<\/a>, SWAP participation is completely free. Training is fully funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in England, and the Government will also cover travel and childcare costs whilst benefit claimants are on the scheme.<\/p>\n

Employers can register for the programme on the UKHospitality website<\/a>, where you can also find the full list of areas where the programme will be available. It covers:<\/p>\n