New Sector-based Work Academy Programmes for early 2026

Discover! Creative Careers is offering brand new Sector-based Work Academy Programmes across the sectors of Film & TV and Music in January 2026 in 3 areas of England.

A Sector-based Work Programme (SWAP) gives jobseekers who are 16 and over, and claiming benefits, the opportunity to apply for jobs through a short programme that includes:

• pre-employment training,
• a short work placement with a business 
• a guaranteed job interview or help with your application process  

Having already partnered with Sharp Futures earlier this year to take young people through a SWAP in Manchester, the New Year will see 3 additional programmes in Liverpool, Leeds and Hertfordshire.

In Liverpool, Birkenhead  music venue Future Yard will host their introduction event on 8. January. Stu Nicholls Head of Skills + Learning  at Future Yard CIC said “Our partnership with ScreenSkills plays a vital role in helping young people from our community access real opportunities in the live music industry. By combining immersive, hands-on training with industry-led insight, we’re helping to remove barriers, build confidence and create genuine routes into sustainable careers.”

Dr Mathew Flynn, Co-Director, MusicFutures said “MusicFutures is thrilled to be supporting the SWAP programme with ScreenSkills & Future Yard – we believe in creating new opportunities for young people across the Liverpool City Region via training & industry expertise to help support, develop and create sustainable careers.”

A Film and TV sector SWAP kicks off with Hertfordshire Futures on 15 January. Masie one of the partners on the programme said “The Sector Work Academy Programmes have been an incredible way to connect local people with real job opportunities across every industry, the partnership, training, employer talks/visits and interviews. This programme allows participants the chance to gain the confidence, skills, and insight employers are looking for. We’ve seen first-hand how these programmes open doors, build futures, and strengthen our local workforce.”

Finally Music Local Leeds will start their SWAP with an introduction day on 16 January. Sam Nicholls, Director of Launchpad said  "It's great to work with Discover Creative Careers to highlight the different roles and jobs available across the music sector. By delivering the Sector-based Work Academy Programme, we have the opportunity to introduce a broad range of skills and knowledge needed for young people to thrive in a variety of music industry careers."

You can register for all the SWAPS via your local job centre or using buttons below