SWAPs typically consist of three key components: pre-employment training, work experience, and a guaranteed job interview. The pre-employment training provides participants with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the sector they’re interested in, such as technical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and employability skills like communication and teamwork. This training can take place in a classroom setting, online, or through on-the-job training.

After completing the pre-employment training, participants will typically undertake a work experience placement with an employer in their chosen sector. This provides them with the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in a real-world setting, and to gain valuable experience and contacts in the industry.

Finally, upon completing the work experience placement, participants are guaranteed a job interview with the employer they completed the placement with. This provides a fantastic opportunity for participants to secure a job in their chosen sector, and to put their new skills and knowledge into practice in a paid role.