Powering the Green Workforce Revolution
Developing Hampshire’s sustainable workforce is a top priority. With the green economy growing rapidly, there has never been a better time to bridge the green skills gap and connect jobseekers with high-demand careers in renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and sustainability.
The Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) is a game-changing initiative designed to upskill unemployed individuals and fast-track them into green jobs. This programme is a golden opportunity to build a skilled workforce, meet employer demand, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
What Are SWAPs, and Why Do They Matter?
SWAPs are government-funded training programmes designed to help unemployed individuals gain in-demand skills and secure jobs in high-growth industries. These free job training courses last up to six weeks and combine structured pre-employment training, hands-on work experience, and a guaranteed job interview.
Specialising in green skills training, SERT, SWAPs provide a unique opportunity to support the workforce transition to sustainable careers.
The government has set an ambitious goal of 80,000 SWAP enrolments annually, with expectations to increase this number to 100,000 in the next financial year. This means thousands of people will gain green energy jobs, helping industries such as solar panel installation, EV charging infrastructure, and smart energy systems fill urgent vacancies.
Breaking Down Barriers, Unlocking Potential
A key advantage of SWAPs is that they are fully funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Education, covering all training costs, travel, and childcare. This removes financial barriers, making it easier for jobseekers to gain new skills while still receiving their benefits.
For businesses, SWAPs provide access to a pipeline of job-ready candidates trained in industry-specific needs. This reduces hiring costs, improves staff retention, and strengthens workforce productivity. This cements SERT’s role as a leader in green workforce development., helping jobseekers and businesses alike thrive in the sustainability sector.
A United Front for Hampshire’s Green Future
Hampshire’s transition to a net-zero economy depends on collaboration between education providers, businesses, and local authorities. SWAPs offer a practical solution to drive this change. Here’s how we can work together:
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Job Centre Plus: Partner with us to develop SWAPs that align with Hampshire’s renewable energy jobs market.
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DWP: Prioritise funding for SWAPs that focus on low-carbon industries and green economy careers.
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Department for Education: Ensure training programmes are adaptable to meet employer demands in clean energy and sustainability.
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Hampshire County Council: Support the expansion of SWAPs across the county to align with Hampshire’s net-zero goals.
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Green Businesses: Host work placements, conduct job interviews, and help build a skilled workforce that will power the future of green jobs.
The Time to Act is Now
The demand for green jobs in the UK is rising rapidly, and Hampshire cannot afford to lag behind. SWAPs offer a proven model to fill critical skills gaps, create employment opportunities, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy.
Leading the charge, SERT seeks support to drive this initiative forward. The opportunity is here, and the talent is ready—let’s turn potential into progress.
Get in Touch with SERT Today
Now is the time to act. Together, we can make Hampshire a leader in the green energy revolution and create a thriving, sustainable workforce for the future.
📢 Learn more: Jobhelp: Sector-based Work Academies