12 jobseekers find sustainable employment with EE through Lancashire Adult Learning’s Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP).

Nelson and Colne College Group’s Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL) is proud to announce the successful completion of its Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP), a collaboration with DWP and EE aimed at training job seekers for competitive roles within EE.

Through the initiative – which was run out of the Globe, Accrington – 12 out of 18 learners who applied managed to secure sustainable employment with EE. Their interview performances benefitted from the extensive training they had received over the past two weeks across modules which included interview masterclasses, customer service training and EE – ‘a day in the life’, which saw learners visit their potential new place of work.

“I found that this course helped prepare and motivate me for the job interview with EE,” said Mohammed Taj, one of the programme’s successful participants. “They help and support you throughout the whole process and you even gain a qualification with a certificate to boot at the end of it.”

Trish Fish, who led the 2-week course, received high praise from the learners, who said she was informative, interesting, and most importantly, fun. All participants took away valuable skills in employability, customer service, and overall confidence.

“I loved learning with Trish” said Larieba Ali. “She made all the lessons enjoyable, which made it easier for me to learn what was being taught. This course has led me to achieve useful knowledge and a level one certification in customer service.” 

The programme was designed to provide out-of-work leaners with varying levels of experience the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive telecommunications industry.

The training course was condensed into 2-weeks and provided participants with hands-on experience, mentoring, and support to help them prepare for the job market. All learners who took part were guaranteed interviews at the end of the course.

“This programme was a testament to the success that can be achieved when businesses, education providers and the local community work together.” Stated Andrew Parkin, Assistant Principal for Adult Learning with LAL

“Lancashire Adult Learning and DWP will continue to provide pre-employment programmes like SWAP to support the local community and help bridge the gap between education and employment.”

For more information, please contact LAL on 0333 003 1717 or check out the range of their courses at https://www.lal.ac.uk/what-we-do/all-courses/.