A Sector-based Work Academy in Care is providing learners with the skills and knowledge they need to work in the care sector.

The College has been working in partnership with Coventry and Rugby Jobcentre Plus to promote a new suite of employability programmes, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to support our local labour market.

The ‘SWAPs’ (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes) are being delivered through the College’s Next Steps Employability Hub and have been developed in line with Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ policy launched in July 2020 to ensure local unemployed people in Coventry can gain access to short, sector specific training.

One of these programmes is the SWAP into Care which focuses on providing adult learners with the skills and knowledge to begin their career working in the care sector.

The SWAP combines elements of both classroom and work experience in a care setting, supported by local care providers in the Coventry area, and enables learners to appreciate first-hand how working in the Care sector can make such a positive difference to the elderly and vulnerable peoples’ lives.

Learners on the Care SWAP focus on a range of skills in a care setting such as different styles of communication (including sign language), learning how to resolve conflict and developing patience which are all likely to be very valuable assets when dealing with clients in the health care profession.

Feedback from learners on the programme has been extremely positive with many saying it has boosted their confidence and self esteem and prepared them well for real-life work experience care placements or future employment.

Linda Baynes is an experienced Employment Skills Tutor who provides a friendly face to face approach to teaching the current cohort of adults, all referred from Coventry JCP.

Linda said: “There are a number of reasons why I particularly enjoy working with SWAP groups.

“They include seeing a growth in personal development, increased confidence and general wellbeing and learners also enjoy their practical activities in problem solving and team building.”

If you are a Care employer looking to recruit staff or can support with a work experience opportunity, please contact Charmaine Whelan from our Employer Engagement team on 07443 692554 or email employers@coventrycollege.ac.uk