Laura Milward, Talent For Care Lead at WWL
The WWL NHS Sector‑Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) has grown into a successful community employment initiative within the Wigan Borough — a partnership built on collaboration and commitment to people living in Wigan.
Delivered collaboratively with WWL, Wigan and Leigh College, and Wigan JobCentre Plus, the programme creates career opportunities, to help strengthen the future of our workforce.
As WWL marks National Learning at Work Week, with this year’s theme “Many Ways to Learn”, SWAP is a great example of how different learning routes can open doors.
The programme offers a mix of practical experience, classroom learning and ongoing development, showing how people can learn, grow and build confidence in different ways.
It also highlights WWL’s commitment to supporting the local community and helping people develop skills for the future.
SWAP is designed to open doors for individuals from all backgrounds, offering a structured pathway into meaningful placements that align to the career aspirations of the learners.
The programme is fully inclusive, welcoming people regardless of race, disability, employment status, or previous experience.
Our first cohort of SWAP placements included a candidate who progressed to university, while others secured roles within WWL’s Estates and Facilities teams or went on to work in healthcare within the local community.
Participants from the second cohort have also secured roles at WWL and continue to progress, with others moving into health and social care roles across Greater Manchester.
SWAP strongly supports WWL’s wider aims to reduce inequalities, improve wellbeing and create fair access to employment across the Borough.
By offering real work experience that matches current vacancies, WWL managers help learners feel valued while gaining skills that truly matter.
Many participants go on to secure permanent roles, helping WWL grow a skilled, committed workforce in a sustainable way.
WWL works closely with its partners to make sure everyone taking part feels supported from start to finish - from first hearing about the programme at an open event, to completing their placement and taking the next step in their career.
SWAP enhances individual career prospects and contributes to lowering unemployment levels, strengthening the local workforce, and ensuring WWL reflects the diverse community it serves.
Learners gain confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging, while WWL gains motivated, work ready candidates who understand the Trust’s values of putting people at the heart, listening and involving others, demonstrating kindness and respect, and working as one team. This impact is already being seen across the Borough.
The WWL NHS SWAP programme is about more than jobs. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening services and building a brighter future for local people across the Wigan Borough and beyond.
The next SWAP Open Event will be held at Wigan and Leigh College on Tuesday 22nd September at 10am. For more details, contact Wigan JobCentre Plus on 0800 169 0190.