We're putting jobseekers in South Tyneside on the pathway to employment through workplace training.
The Sector Work Academy Programme (SWAP) will create new opportunities for people who are out of work to secure frontline customer service roles on the Tyne and Wear Metro.
SWAP aims to tackle local unemployment and bridge skills gaps.
We're working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Job Centre Plus (JCP) and a well-established local independent training provider – the South Shields-based Zenith Training - to offer the SWAP programme at its Learning Centre.
It will create new opportunities for people in the South Tyneside area to become customer service advisors on Metro – a job which involves assisting customers, revenue protection and running ticket gates.
SWAPs are backed by employers looking to fill active vacancies. Businesses help craft these programmes, so that participants gain the skills and experience right for their roles.
Maureen Askew, Head of Learning at Nexus, said: “We’re really proud to have signed up to the SWAP programme, which is going to help scores of local jobseekers in South Tyneside break down the barriers to gaining full time employment.
“We are working closely with Job Centre Plus and Zenith Training to provide opportunities for applicants to gain the essential skills for the job and provide the best possible opportunity to gain a full-time role at the end of it with our Metro Customer Service Team.
“This underlines our commitment to investing in talent development and providing individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the public transport industry.
“We have active vacancies for Metro Customer Service Advisors and this initiative provides a new pathway to attract people to work for Nexus and towards filling key frontline roles.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents of South Tyneside and surrounding areas, and we're delighted to be part of this partnership.
Paul Smissen, Director Zenith Training, said: “Between the exciting employment opportunities being created by Nexus and the advice and signposting JCP can offer, through the skills and support to be delivered by zenith, this whole programme is indicative of employment opportunities with our community, and we’re really proud to be involved in an initiative that is so positive for South Tyneside.
“The SWAP programme enables the training provider to create a bespoke pre-employment training programme to provide insight to the dedicated employer and the jobs they have available.”
Job Centre Plus works closely with both employer and provider to promote the jobs to their clients who meet the eligibility criteria and refers them to the training provider.
The training provider also promotes the opportunities through their well-established channels. Applicants complete a pre-course interview to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
The course very much promotes the employer and the Nexus Learning Centre team will facilitate a tour of the facility and provide an overview of Nexus.
The application process to the job remains the same – through the North East Jobs site, but people on the course will gain support to complete the application form, and they will be referred to an assessment and job interview day with Nexus.
Find out more about the SWAP Programme.