‘It’s been fundamental in helping me.’

Discover inspiring stories of how our GP SWAP scheme is transforming careers in healthcare.
Our scheme supporting people in South East London to secure exciting new roles in healthcare has shown great early signs of success. 

The GP SWAP (Sector-based Work Academy Programme) is helping local people to get jobs in primary care – for example working in a GP surgery.

About the scheme

Working with candidates either referred to the scheme by Job Centre Plus or recruited via local careers fairs, this pioneering partnership brings together the South East London ICS Health and Care Jobs Hub, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, local education providers like Southwark College, and local healthcare providers such as Southwark GP practices. 

Individual support

Our team helped participants develop their interview skills and build their confidence.

Work placements

The programme included work placements to help attendees to get a sense of jobs in advance.

Large impact

More than 100 local people were supported into employment or training as a result of the GP SWAP.

Great results

Over 60% of candidates secured a job in a GP practice – an above-average success rate compared to other SWAP schemes.

Success stories

We're so proud to share some fantastic stories of participants who have achieved their potential through this programme.

Catherine's story

Having completed the scheme, Catherine Nages now works at Sir John Kirk Close Surgery in Camberwell as an Access Hub Coordinator – a key patient-facing role within the practice.
Empty space, drag to resize

Her background

Knowing she wanted to work in healthcare but feeling unsure how to go about it, she was referred to the Health & Care Jobs Hub by Jobcentre Plus. Our team helped her register on our jobs and training platform and suggested she enrol on SWAP.

Her development

Catherine didn’t have previous relevant experience but through the scheme developed an understanding of healthcare services, NHS values and the responsibilities of the role she was interested in.

Work placement

Completing work experience at a local GP surgery was also extremely useful for Catherine she said:

‘I was able to observe and assist members of the surgery team in real-life scenarios, like handling patient enquiries and managing a busy reception area’.
The support and encouragement from the college and the Hub team really boosted my confidence and motivation.

The tutor helped me review and fine-tune my CV and cover letter to make them more specific for the job I was applying for, and highlighted the skills and experiences I had that met the needs of the job.

We had mock interview sessions in class, which allowed me to practise my answers to common questions and get useful feedback.

The Hub team also did a one-to-one session with me on the day of the real interview.
Catherine

Thayse's story

Keen for a career change from retail to healthcare, Thayse Gava made contact with our team at a careers fair.

SWAP programme

We introduced her to the SWAP programme at Lambeth College. 

Employment skills

‘I thought it was amazing!’ she says. ‘They helped me create my CV and build the knowledge I needed for an NHS role, as well as face-to-face interview skills.’

How we supported her

Landing her first role

Thayse successfully applied for the role of Widening Participation Assistant with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Supporting others

In this role, she's helping to arrange work experience for local students around the Trust.

Thriving

Not long afterwards she was offered a promotion, and now works in a Band 5 role as Executive Assistant to the EDI Director.

A strong platform for an exciting career

I have learned such a lot, both improving my existing skills and acquiring new ones. The SWAP scheme was fundamental in helping me pursue my career plans with the NHS, so I would definitely recommend it.
Thayse
Building on the success of this pilot, a second GP SWAP is already underway in Southwark, with a desire to expand the approach into other South East London boroughs.

If you’re keen on a career in healthcare, why not get in touch and see where our specialist support can take you?