Practical help and schemes for finding employment | Tenant news

Returning to or finding work can feel challenging, but there are training programmes, schemes, and practical support to help.

If you want to learn new skills, get work experience, or you’re in need of financial help, these resources can give you the skills and support you need to find a new job.

Government schemes

The government has a number of fully funded schemes to help people gain skills, work experience, and support to return to or start work.

The Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) gives jobseekers who are 16 and over, and claiming benefits, the opportunity to apply for jobs.

SWAP gives free training, work experience, and job interviews in areas like hospitality, retail, or construction.

These courses usually last up to six weeks and help you learn the skills you need for a job. The programme includes:

• Pre-employment training matched to your sector
• A short work placement with your business to gain experience
• A guaranteed job interview or support with your job application.

Another option is Skills Bootcamps. These are short, intensive courses in things like digital skills, administration, health and social care or engineering.

Bootcamps are designed to help you quickly learn the skills employers are looking for so you can get back into work faster.

Financial support

If you’re on benefits and looking for work, you might be able to get help from the Flexible Support Fund (FSF).

This can pay for things like bus or train fares to get to interviews, childcare, work clothes, or even tools you need for a job. You can ask about it at your local Jobcentre Plus.

There’s also the Access to Work scheme if you are disabled or have a health condition. This can give you money for things like special equipment, travel costs, or even a support worker, so you can do your job properly without extra stress.

If you need extra help, Habinteg’s Tenant Support Fund can help with job interview or new job starter essentials. Find out more at www.habinteg.org.uk/tenant-support-fund.

Sector-specific programmes

Some jobs have special programmes to help people return to work after a break.

The SuppoRTT (Supported Return to Training) programme is for healthcare workers going back to work. It gives support like extra training and a mentor to help with job confidence and getting back up to speed.

Returnerships are open to professionals of all ages who have taken a career break. They are useful for anyone returning after time off for caregiving, health, or personal reasons.

These programmes offer training, mentorship, and support to make getting back into work easier. They last 10 weeks to six months and often lead to permanent jobs.

If you’re a disabled person in London looking to start a career in the equality and inclusion sector, you can apply for the Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) free Pathways Academy training programme for 2026. CAE is Habinteg’s access and inclusive design team.

The nine-month Pathways programme gives you the skills and confidence needed to kickstart a career in accessibility and inclusion.

It includes training on inclusive design principles, access auditing, website accessibility, accessible housing, and communication skills like presentations and report writing. Visit www.cae.org.uk/pathways-academy to apply.

If you’d like more support to return to work, contact your nearest Jobcentre at www.jobcentreplusoffices.co.uk.

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