Pre-Employment Training (SWAPs)

Our 1 to 6 week programmes are delivered in partnership with a range of employers looking to develop their workforces. Not only does this pre-employment training provide you with new skills for specific sectors, but you can also complete a work placement, receive CV support and a guaranteed interview.

Programmes consist of three main components:

• Pre-employment training matched to the employer’s business needs
• Work experience placement to learn new skills on the job and gain valuable qualifications for the future
• At the end of the programme, learners are guaranteed either a job interview with an employer or help with the application process.

Entry requirements:

Individuals must be aged 19+

These courses are funded for unemployed individuals and those in work earning less than £34,000 per year*

Additional entry requirements may apply, subject to employers' requirements.

A career in the Civil Service

NEXT Retail Academy

This intensive 1-week programme is designed to give you the skills, qualification, confidence and real-world insight you need to begin a career in retail, with a focus on customer service and employability.

Why Choose the NEXT Retail Career Programme?

This programme is more than just training – it’s an opportunity to gain a recognised qualification, develop your workplace skills and prepare for a career with NEXT.

Throughout the programme, you will:

✔ Learn what it takes to deliver excellent customer service and understand customer needs

✔ Develop your communication, active listening and problem-solving skills

✔ Build confidence when dealing with customers, enquiries, complaints and challenging situations

✔ Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace

✔ Develop your employability skills, including CV and application support and interview techniques

✔ Prepare for a real NEXT interview using competency questions and the STAR technique

This is your opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while developing the skills and confidence needed to take your next step into retail.

Training Includes

• Level 2 Award in Customer Service

• Employability support

• CV and application support

• Interview preparation and mock NEXT interviews

• Introduction to retail careers and working for NEXT

Progression Opportunity

Successful completion of the programme comes with a guaranteed interview with NEXT, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills into practice and take the next step towards employment.

Entry Criteria

To enrol onto this programme, you must:

• Be unemployed and looking for work

• Have a good standard of English, Maths and communication skills

Take Your First Step Today

If you are motivated, reliable and ready to start a career in retail, this programme will provide you with the qualification, practical skills and interview preparation you need to move forward.

Information Session:

Tuesday 25th August 2026

10:00am

Cannock Jobcentre

Programme Dates:

Tuesday 1st September – Monday 7th September 2026

Cannock Jobcentre

Monday to Friday

AM: 9:00am-12:30pm

PM: 1:00pm-4:30pm

Classroom workshop sessions will be allocated as appropriate.

Qualification:

Level 2 Award in Customer Service

Progression:

Guaranteed interview with NEXT on successful completion

Candidates must be unemployed and looking for work, with a good standard of English, Maths and communication skills.

Co-Op Funeral Care

This intensive 4-week programme is designed to give you the knowledge, skills, confidence and practical insight you need to begin a career in Funeralcare, supporting families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Why Choose the Central Co-op Funeralcare Career Programme?

A career in Funeralcare is about more than providing a service – it’s about making a real difference to people and their communities.

Throughout the programme, you will:

✔ Learn about Funeralcare, the different roles available and the opportunities to build a career with Central Co-op

✔ Develop your understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including cultural and religious awareness

✔ Learn how to provide excellent customer service when supporting bereaved families

✔ Build your communication, active listening, empathy and professional skills

✔ Develop workplace skills including teamwork, resilience, organisation and professionalism

✔ Strengthen your employability skills and prepare for applications and interviews with Central Co-op

✔ Gain an insight into what it’s like to work in Funeralcare through presentations, activities and employer engagement

You don’t need previous experience in Funeralcare to take part. This programme will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to explore a rewarding career where you can make a genuine difference to families and your community.

Training Includes

• VTCT Level 1 Equality & Diversity

• Highfield Level 2 Award in Customer Service

• Funeralcare employability and workplace skills

• CV and application support

• Interview preparation and mock interviews

• Insight into Funeralcare roles and career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Funeralcare offers a range of career opportunities, not just within funeral homes. Careers can also include working in a coffin factory, crematorium, floristry team or funeral plan team.

You don't need previous Funeralcare experience to start your journey. The programme will help you understand the industry and prepare you for potential vacancies with Central Co-op.

Entry Criteria

To take part in this programme, you should have:

• An interest in developing a career in Funeralcare

• The ability to communicate effectively and work professionally with others

• A willingness to support people with care, dignity and respect

Take Your First Step Today

If you’re caring, professional and motivated to make a difference, this programme can help you develop the skills and confidence needed to take your first steps towards a career in Funeralcare.

Programme Dates:

Monday 14th September – Friday 9th October 2026

4 weeks

9:30am - 2:45pm

Location:

To be confirmed

A career in security - SIA badge with door supervision

This intensive 2-week programme is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to explore a career in the security industry. You will gain insight into a range of security roles, including Site Security Officers and Event Security Stewards, helping you understand what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced sector.

Why Choose the Security Services Programme?
This programme is more than just training – it’s a direct pathway into employment within the Private Security Industry.
Throughout the programme, you will:
✔ Develop an understanding of the main characteristics of the Private Security Industry
✔ Learn the importance of safe working practices
✔ Gain knowledge of drug-misuse legislation
✔ Understand the issues and procedures relevant to the role of a Door Supervisor
✔ Work towards gaining your SIA badge
✔ Receive tailored CV and interview preparation support
On successful completion, all participants are guaranteed an interview for the listed security roles.
This is your opportunity to gain recognised qualifications and step confidently into the security sector.

Qualifications & Training Includes
• The main characteristics of the Private Security Industry
• The importance of safe working practices
• Drug-misuse legislation
• Issues and procedures relevant to the role of a Door Supervisor
• SIA badge

Entry Criteria
To enrol onto this programme, you must:
• Be unemployed or under employed and aged 19 or over
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide evidence of benefits or low income
• Provide photographic ID
• Be working at Entry Level 3 in English and Maths, progressing towards Level 1
• Complete an assessment to determine a general overall level of fitness*
• Be subject to criminal conviction checks

Take Your First Step Today
If you are motivated, reliable and ready to begin a career in security, this programme will provide you with the skills, qualifications and employer connections to move forward.

Dates and Times:

7th September 2026
Information session (3rd September)

12th October 2026
Information session (8th October)

16th November 2026
Information session (12th November)

18th January 2027
Information session (14th January)

19th April 2027
Information session (15th April)

14th June 2027
Information session (10th June)

• Friday - Monday, for 2 weeks

• 9:00am to 3:30pm

Hawbush Campus, Beeches Road
Leamore, Walsall, WS3 1AG

• This programme is open to anyone unemployed, aged 19 and over

• Right to work, evidence of benefits or low income and Photographic ID

• Entry 3 English and Maths, working towards Level 1

• As part of this programme, you must complete an assessment to determine a general overall level of fitness*

• Subject to criminal conviction checks

Working in Construction (CSCS)

Skills 4 Construction

Warehousing & FLT

This comprehensive 4-week programme will provide you with the basic knowledge, skills and understanding required to work within a warehousing and storage facility in the logistics sector.

Whether you are looking to enter the industry or progress within your current role, this course offers a strong pre-employment route and a foundation for progression to the Level 2 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage. As part of the programme, you will also complete forklift training and gain your Forklift Truck Licence.

Why Choose the Warehousing & Logistics Programme?
This programme is more than just training – it’s a direct pathway into one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors.
Throughout the programme, you will:
✔ Develop an understanding of warehousing and storage operations
✔ Learn safe working practices within logistics environments
✔ Gain hands-on forklift truck training
✔ Build confidence in teamwork and workplace communication
✔ Improve your employability skills and job readiness
This is your opportunity to gain recognised qualifications and practical experience that employers are actively looking for.

Qualifications & Training Includes
• Forklift Truck Licence
• Level 1 Award in Transport & Logistics
• Employability skills

Entry Criteria
To enrol onto this programme, you must:
• Be unemployed or under employed and aged 19 or over
• Live in the West Midlands
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide evidence of benefits or low income
• Provide photographic ID
• Be working at Entry Level 3 in English and Maths, progressing towards Level 1

Take Your First Step Today
If you are motivated, reliable and ready to begin or progress your career in logistics, this programme will give you the skills, licence and confidence to move forward.

Dates and Times:

12th October 2026
Information session (6th October)

18th January 2027
Information session (12th January)

19th March 2027
Information session (13th April)

28th June 2027
Information session (23rd June)

Work 4 Health

This intensive 4-week programme is designed to give you the knowledge, skills, confidence and real-world insight you need to begin working within Clinical Support roles.

You will be encouraged to explore Clinical Support Worker roles within the NHS and wider Healthcare Support settings, while developing the skills needed to successfully navigate the application process.

Why Choose the Clinical Support Careers Programme?
This programme is more than just training – it’s a direct pathway into NHS and healthcare support employment.
Throughout the programme, you will:
✔ Develop a basic understanding of working within Clinical Support roles
✔ Improve your knowledge of NHS support roles and the multidisciplinary teams you may work with
✔ Experience what working in an NHS and/or healthcare support setting is like from the inside
✔ Refresh your English and Maths skills
✔ Gain support with your CV, applications and interview preparation
✔ Learn how to effectively showcase your strengths and key skills
You will also take part in a guaranteed interview for roles within Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and/or Healthcare Support positions.

Qualifications & Training Includes
• Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• English and Maths refresher
• Employability skills

Entry Criteria
To enrol onto this programme, you must:
• Be working at Level 1 or higher in English & Maths at initial assessment
• Be subject to criminal conviction checks
Please note: Candidates who secure employment with Walsall Manor Hospital (part of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust) will be required to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 within the first 6 months of employment.

Take Your First Step Today
If you are compassionate, motivated and ready to build a career within the NHS or healthcare support services, this programme will provide you with the qualifications, knowledge and confidence to take that next step.

Dates and Times:

Dates TBC

9:30am-2:45pm
4 weeks

Walsall College – Wisemore Campus

Candidates must be working at level 1 or higher when initially assessed in English & maths.

Candidates who secure employment with Walsall Manor will need to achieve a FS Level 2 within the first 6 months of employment.

Subject to criminal conviction checks

Care 2 Care

This intensive 4-week programme is designed to give you the knowledge, skills, confidence and real-world insight you need to begin working in a variety of care settings.

Why Choose Care 2 Care?
The Care 2 Care Programme is more than just training – it’s a direct pathway into employment.

Throughout the programme, you will:
✔ Develop a basic understanding of working across different care environments
✔ Experience what it’s really like to work in a healthcare support setting
✔ Build confidence in your communication, teamwork and professional skills
✔ Explore the wider Healthcare sector and understand the opportunities available
This is your chance to “try before you apply” and see if a career in care is right for you.

Real Employer Connections & Guaranteed Interview
One of the standout benefits of this programme is direct employer engagement.

You will:
• Receive expert support with your CV and application
• Learn how to effectively showcase your strengths and key skills
• Gain interview preparation and confidence-building guidance
• Take part in a guaranteed interview with Housing 21
• Gain recognised qualification Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

As a leading not-for-profit provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care, Housing 21 is known for its supportive culture, strong values and commitment to delivering high-quality care. It’s an organisation where you can build a stable, rewarding, and long-term career while making a genuine difference to people’s lives.

Entry Criteria
To enrol onto this Into Employment programme, you must:
• Have a clean DBS
• Be unemployed or under employed and aged 19 or over
• Achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths (via assessment)

Take Your First Step Today
If you are compassionate, motivated, and ready to explore a career where you can truly make a difference, the Care 2 Care Programme is your opportunity to gain qualifications, experience, and direct access to employers.

Dates and Times:

22nd June 2026

9:30am-2:45pm
4 weeks

Walsall College – Wisemore Campus

Candidates must be working at Entry Level 3 or higher when initially assessed in English & maths.

Retail & Hospitality Academy

This exciting 2/3-week programme has been developed in partnership with McArthurGlen Group and the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cannock, and is also applicable to the many employers offering retail and hospitality career opportunities.

Designed for those just starting out in the industry, this programme will help you learn, develop and practise the essential skills required for employment and career progression in retail and hospitality.

Why Choose the McArthurGlen Retail Academy?

This programme is more than just training – it’s a direct pathway into retail and hospitality employment.

Throughout the programme, you will:
✔ Develop an understanding of working within retail and customer-focused environments
✔ Build confidence in delivering excellent customer service
✔ Learn key retail principles and workplace expectations
✔ Strengthen your communication and employability skills
✔ Prepare for real job opportunities within the retail sector

All participants who successfully complete the programme will be supported with registration on the McArthurGlen portal, alongside tailored CV development and interview preparation to give you the best opportunity to progress into employment.

Qualifications & Training Includes

Level 1 Award in Principles of Customer Service for Retail
Employability Skills

Entry Criteria

To enrol onto this programme, you must:
• Be unemployed or under employed and aged 19 or over
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Provide evidence of benefits or low income
• Provide photographic ID
• Be working at Entry Level 3 in English and Maths, progressing towards Level 1

Take Your First Step Today

If you are enthusiastic, customer-focused and ready to begin a career in retail or hospitality, the McArthurGlen Retail Academy will give you the skills, qualifications and employer connections to succeed.

Dates and Times:

Dates TBC

Locations:

• McArthurGlen Retail Outlet

Candidates must be working at around entry level 3 or higher when initially assessed in English & maths.

Construction Gateway Construction Skills - Scaffolding

This intensive 3–4 week pre-recruitment training programme is designed to provide you with the basic trade skills and wider personal development needed to enter the construction industry.

All suitable applicants recruited onto the programme will have the opportunity to complete industry-relevant scaffolding training and take part in a guaranteed interview with a number of local scaffolding companies.

Why Choose the Scaffolding & Construction Programme?
This programme is more than just training – it’s a direct pathway into the construction sector.
Throughout the programme, you will:
✔ Develop essential knowledge of working safely at height
✔ Gain hands-on experience in erecting and dismantling scaffolding
✔ Build confidence using industry-standard equipment and practices
✔ Strengthen your understanding of health and safety requirements
✔ Prepare for employment with local scaffolding employers
This is your opportunity to gain practical experience and recognised industry training while preparing for real job opportunities.

Qualifications & Training Includes
• Working at Heights
• Manual Handling Training
• Mobile Towers
• Safety Harness Training
• Practical exercise erecting and dismantling a single bay independent scaffold to the correct standard
• Practical exercise erecting and dismantling a 2 Bay Independent Scaffold (Tube & Fitting)
• Practical exercise erecting and dismantling a 2 Bay Independent Scaffold (Transom Units)
• CISRS 1-day COTS (Construction Operatives Training Scheme) course – for individuals new to scaffolding who want to work as a scaffolding labourer
In conjunction with the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, the COTS course qualifies delegates for a CISRS Scaffolder Trainee Card or CISRS Scaffolder Labourer Card.

Take Your First Step Today
If you are practical, motivated and ready to build a career in construction, this programme will provide you with the skills, hands-on experience and employer connections to get started.

Locations: