Funded Employment Focused Training Across The West Midlands
Delivering Quality Training Connecting People to Work
Skills for work | Support for life | A clearer route into employment
Here at SME Training Academy we deliver sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Our practical, employer focused programme combines sector base skills, employability and dedicated recruitment support with a full wrap around service.
With experienced tutors and 24/7 access to our AI-supported education and careers technology, our learners can build confidence, practice, prepare for interviews and stay connected beyond the classroom.
96%+
Course Pass Rate
75%+
Progressing Into Sustainable Employment
24/7
Access To AI-Supported Learning And Careers Tools
Tailor Made Courses
Designed For Employment Pathways Shaped Around Local Opportunities
Results are based on SME Outsourcing – Training Academy internal performance data for 2025 to 2026. Sustainable employment is defined as long term employment with opportunity for career development.
What Is A SWAP?
A Sector-based Work Academy Programme is a short, employer connected route that helps unemployed individuals to build the skills, confidence and experience needed for live vacancies. A SWAP can last up to six weeks and normally brings together sector relevant pre-employment training, an employer insight or work experience element, and a guaranteed interview or support through the employers’ application process.
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Prepare – Build practical sector knowledge, employability skills and confidence.
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Practice – Apply learning through realistic activities, employer insight and AI-supported preparation.
- Progress – Complete the recruitment process with interview or application support linked to real opportunities.
Courses Currently We Offer With The SWAP
Introduction To Accountancy
A practical starting point for people seeking entry level roles in accounts, bookkeeping, payroll or finance administration. The program develops core accountancy knowledge alongside accuracy, digital skills, workplace communication, and interview preparation.
Employability with Construction
Prepare for entry level construction and labouring opportunities by building work readiness, site awareness and the professional behaviors needed to work safely and reliably within a team.
Customer Service
Develop the communication, confidence and service standards needed for customer facing roles across retail, contact and customer service centres, public services, and other sectors.
Hospitality
Build the practical employability skills needed for entry level for customer facing and back-of-house opportunities in busy, customer focused environments.
Warehousing and Logistics
Prepare for fast moving warehouse and logistics roles by understanding safe working, stock flow, accuracy, productivity, and the expectations of shift-based employment.
Why Train with SME Outsourcing?
Local delivery. Trusted partnership. Employer focus.
Our team brings more than 25 years of experience across education, training and employer engagement. We combine that practical knowledge funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority to create programmes shaped around local labour market needs and genuine opportunities.
We work closely with employers, referral organisations and community partners, so learners receive relevant training, clear expectations and a supported route towards work.
Experienced Trainers
Flexible Learning
Accredited Qualifications
Local Partnerships
Supportive Environment
Funded by West Midlands Combined Authority | Connected to employers across the West Midlands | Recognised sector based training courses
The AI Advantage
The classroom closes. Support continues
Technology should strengthen good teaching, not replace it. Our tutors remain at the heart of every programme while platforms developed through our AI businesses – ExamBinary Ltd and Neovogent UK Ltd – extend practice and guidance around the clock.
ExamBinary Learn, Practice and Prepare
Our AI-powered education and careers platform can give learners access to personalised practice, mock interviews, skill checks, flashcards, progress insights and careers exploration. Learners can revisit difficult topics, prepare for employer questions and build confidence between sessions.
Neovogent Always-On Digital Assistance
Neovogent AI assistants can be configured to help learners find course information, navigate resources, receive reminders, explore career information and get answers to common programme questions at any time.
- 24/7 access from suitable digital devices
- Repeated practice without pressure
- More confidence before assessments and interviews
- Support that can adapt to different starting points and learning pace
- A stronger bridge between education, careers information and recruitment preparation
Supporting Hard-to-Reach Communities
We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals in hard-to-reach communities, and we are committed to providing training that’s accessible and supportive. Our inclusive programs are designed to break down barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to gain valuable skills, regardless of their background or previous experience.
Inclusive learner support
We combine structure, encouragement and practical support so people can rebuild confidence, overcome barriers and move forward at a pace that is challenging but achievable.
The Learner Journey
A Clear Route From First Conversation To Your Next Opportunity
Check Eligibility
Meet And Plan
Build Sector Skills
Practice Beyond Class
Connect With Employers
Progress And Sustain
Get Started Today
Ready to take the next step in your learning journey? Contact us now to find out more about our courses, enrolment process, and available funding options. Together, we can unlock your full potential.
Are You Recruiting?
If you have live vacancies, we can work with you and our partners to shape a SWAP around the skills, behaviors and recruitment requirements that matter in your workplace. You gain a more informed candidate pool; learners gain a fair opportunity to prepare for real jobs.
Training aligned to your sector and entry-level roles
Employer input into information sessions and programme content
Support from planning through to candidate progression
Candidates prepared for your workplace expectations
A structured interview or recruitment route
Funded training may be available subject to learner eligibility, programme approval and current funding rules.