The pilot scheme, set to launch in Liverpool before being rolled out to other major cities over the coming months, will see benefit claimants gain an industry recognised accreditation, endorsed by industry leaders including Greene King, Marriot Hotels, and ACC Liverpool.
The Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) combines a programme of learning launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in collaboration with UKHospitality.
The scheme is designed to provide tailored training for jobseekers from industry experts, allowing them to move into a career in hospitality, while boosting workforce participation in the sector and helping to grow the economy.
Benefit claimants will complete qualifications and accredited training in areas such as health and safety, food safety, licensing, and conflict resolution to add to their Hospitality Skills Passport – a digital pass which can be added to CVs to show employers jobseekers have the skillset required by the sector. They will also receive training in confidence and assertiveness to build personal skills and strength.
The programme will culminate with a guaranteed job interview for all participants, helping jobseekers with an opportunity to apply their new skills and a pathway to apprenticeships.