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Sector-based work academies - what it is

Sector-based work academies are one of the services that Jobcentre Plus offers to help you get back into work.

Sector-based work academies are currently available in England and Scotland. Similar support is available through the Routeways to Work programme for claimants in Wales. If you are in Wales please talk to your Jobcentre Plus adviser.

If you join a sector-based work academy you will get the chance to:

• take part in training relevant to the type of work that is available in your area
• achieve units towards a relevant qualification in some circumstances
• take up work experience with an employer that has work that matches the training that you’ve done
• go to a guaranteed interview for a job or an apprenticeship

In total, a sector-based work academy can last up to six weeks. The training and work experience will be tailored to help you prepare for an actual job vacancy.

Sector-based work academies involve partnership working between:

• Jobcentre Plus
• employers
• colleges
• training providers

The work experience part of the sector-based work academy gives you the chance to put what you've learned in your training into practice. It's an opportunity for you to see what it's like to work in that industry with a particular employer. It also offers you the chance to prove to that employer how well you can work.

If you complete the whole sector-based work academy you could be more successful at getting a full-time job.

Taking part in sector-based work academies

Speak to a Jobcentre Plus adviser if you are interested in taking part in sector-based work academies. They will be able to:

• explain how sector-based work academies could improve your chances of finding work
• give you information about sector-based work academies in your area
• explain what will happen when you start
• explain what will happen when it ends

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Who can take part?

You might be able to take part in sector-based work academies if:

• you're aged 18 or over and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance
• you're claiming Employment and Support Allowance and in the Work-Related Activity Group

Jobseeker's Allowance and sector-based work academies

To continue to get Jobseeker's Allowance while attending a sector-based work academy you must continue to attend your regular jobsearch reviews.

To help while you're taking part, Jobcentre Plus will be able to offer you different times to attend your regular jobsearch reviews. For example, you may be allowed to attend your reviews earlier or later in the day than usual.

Once you agree to take part in a sector-based work academy, you must complete the training part. You must also attend any interview offered to you for a job or apprenticeship. If you don't your benefit may be affected.

Employment and Support Allowance and sector-based work academies

You will continue to get Employment and Support Allowance as long as you meet the rules that you agreed to get the benefit.

Once you agree to take part in a sector-based work academy, you must complete the training part. If you don't your benefit may be affected.