Moray SWAP Employability Training
The UHI Moray employability team deliver the Moray Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) to support individuals living in Moray to explore the world of work.
- This programme allows us to offer 1-to-1, fully funded and tailored training packages, matching your skills and interests so you can achieve recognised certification, accredited qualifications and the training you need to succeed. You will receive ongoing guidance and support from a dedicated Employability Coordinator, who will work closely with you to ensure you are employability ready.
- We are part of Moray Pathways which is a single point of contact for individuals, businesses and organisations to find opportunities in education, training or employment. The Moray Pathways partnership consists of several community stakeholders who provide barrier removal support and employability provision to the people of Moray.
We can provide 1-to-1 and group support to explore your options including:
- Employability Tools: CVs, cover letters, job application forms, interview prep
- Soft skills and vocational training: build confidence, improve your communication, time management, problem solving and teamwork
- Accredited qualifications and industry-recognised certifications: First Aid, CSCS Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Working Safely plus many more
- In-Work Upskilling: to help you make the most of your skills and capabilities in the workplace with the aim to support career advancement, increase your income, and ultimately improve household income
- Work Placements: help to match skills and interests to the workplace to explore work and volunteering possibilities
- Employer engagement: support to organise employer visits and talks in your chosen sector
- Research further or higher education courses at UHI Moray
- Help you to find the right job!
Who can get support?
Who can get support?
- Age 16+
- Unemployed individuals with barriers to employment
- Employed individuals who have a barrier to career advancement and looking to upskill
- Employed parents who have a barrier to career advancement and looking to upskill
If you are unsure if you are eligible for support, get in touch swap.moray@uhi.ac.uk
How it works
How it works
- You can be referred by your key worker or work coach. You can also self-refer by completing a referral form and emailing to swap.moray@uhi.ac.uk
- A Moray SWAP Employability Coordinator will contact you by text or phone to arrange a call to chat about the service
- You will meet face to face to discuss support and complete a tailored action plan to support your journey into employment
Sectors and courses
Sectors and courses
We offer courses and training in most sectors including:
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance
- Retail
- Sports and Leisure
- Manufacturing
- Creative Industries
- Childcare/Education
- Social Services
Gain industry recognised qualifications such as:
- First Aid
- CSCS
- REHIS Food Hygiene Certificate
- Customer Service
- COSHH
Support for organisations
Support for organisations
If you’re an employer interested in supporting Moray SWAP, you can get involved by offering work placements, hosting visits, or giving talks.
To find out more or discuss opportunities, please get in touch.
Download our brochure
- Get an understanding of how we can support you as an individual or as an organisation
- Would you like a physical copy? Get in touch
Client Stories
Ukrainian refugees building new lives in Moray
Two Moray SWAP employability clients were recently featured on BBC One Scotland in a report highlighting how Ukrainian refugees are building new lives in Moray.
Alex and Svitlana have shown incredible commitment, courage, and determination as they take positive steps towards their future.
We’re so proud of all they’ve achieved and wish them every success in the next chapter of their journey.
Niamh - Step into Childcare
Niamh joined the Step into Childcare course in June, which sparked her interest in childcare. She then received support from Moray SWAP for applying for jobs and interview preparation. We are thrilled that Niamh has now secured a MERI Placement at Ladybird Nursery.
Here is what she said about her experience:
“The support I received on my journey into childcare has been incredible. I’ve been guided every step of the way, not just in building my skills but in growing my confidence. Having the team at UHI Moray believe in me and provide so much encouragement has made all the difference.
The team have gone above and beyond in every aspect. I am now in a MERI Placement with Ladybird nursery in Lossiemouth. I am over the moon with this and loving every minute of learning about what it takes to be a support worker within a nursery setting.”
Ben - From Construction Skills course to Apprenticeship with Springfield
Ben started the Moray Swap in December 2024 through the referral of a keyworker and was looking for employability support to help him work towards a carer within construction. Within two months of being on the Swap Ben achieved industry accredited qualifications such as emergency first aid, manual handling, CITB health and Safety and then obtained his green labourer card. Ben was offered the opportunity to attend a mock interview with Springfield which gave him the confidence to put himself forward and attend the apprenticeship fayre at UHI Moray organised by DYW. Working closely with his employability co-ordinator, Ben found full-time employment, before securing an apprenticeship in grounds work with Springfield. Ben is now part way through year 1 of his apprenticeship and he is really enjoying it. Well done Ben!
“Aye I’m doing really well, am enjoying the work and have come along way with my capability to work in a team and by myself”.
Hansley - From Mauritius to Moray
Hansley came onto the Moray Swap from a referral through SDS. Hansley is a qualified welder from Mauritius and recently moved to the Moray area with his family. Hansley received support through updating his CV, assisting with approaching employers and applying for employment opportunities. Within a month Hansley was successful in a job interview at Hendry Hydraulics where he has settled into the work well.
Hansley said: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity and I have made new friends here and I’m very happy, thank you Kristy and your colleagues”.
We are delighted that Hansley has settled in to his job and is able to use his skills here in Moray.