Working for Work : Chapter 6 : Training & Education

Springboard

If you are unemployed, you may want to continue your education or take part in a training course to develop your skills and improve your chances of getting back to work.

The Higher Education Springboard Programme was launched in May 2011. It provides 6,000 higher education places for unemployed people.

The places will be on a range of part-time courses from certificate to master's degree levels - Levels 6 to 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) provides a way to compare qualifications, and to ensure that they are quality assured and recognised at home and abroad. For more information visit the NFQ website: www.nfq.ie

The Springboard programme is aimed at people who have previously been employed in construction, manufacturing or other sectors of the economy where employment levels are unlikely to recover to pre-recession levels.

Courses are offered in information and communications technology (ICT); the green economy and qualifications for the bio-pharma-pharmachem sectors. There are also some courses aimed at developing innovative business and entrepreneurship skill. In order to qualify for Springboard, you must:

• Be getting Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or One-Parent Family Payment for a period of at least 6 months before the course start date, or
• Be signing for social insurance credits for a period of at least 6 months before the course start date, and
• Have a previous history of employment, and
• Be actively seeking and available to take up employment

Costs

No course fees or charges are payable by participants on a Springboard course for the duration of time that they are unemployed. Participants may be required to pay for books or other course materials.

Qualified Adults

Qualified Adults of persons in receipt of qualifying payments cannot participate in the Springboard programme. There is no 'Spousal Swap" option available. People who are not directly in receipt of one of the eligible allowances are not eligible to apply.

Self Employed

If you have been self-employed and are signing for unemployment credits, even if you have not been receiving a Jobseeker's payment, for six months or longer you are eligible to participate on a Springboard course.

Social Welfare Payments

You will continue to receive your existing Social Welfare payment while participating on a Springboard course, providing you continue to meet the qualifying conditions for that payment.

Applicants in receipt of a Springboard course offer should visit their local Social Protection office without delay to get confirmation of the duration of time that they have been in receipt of one of the eligible payments, or signing for contribution. A copy of the confirmation letter can be downloaded from www.bluebrick.ie/springboard. Applicants who do not submit this confirmation to the provider cannot be registered on their course.

How to apply

Applications for the Springboard programme can only be made online through the website: www.bluebrick.ie Applications cannot be made directly to colleges participating in the Springboard scheme. Please contact individual colleges for further information on courses available.

Back to College Initiative for Jobseekers

The scheme is now closed to new entrants, but students already on the courses will be able to complete them.

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Post Leaving Certificate Programme (PLC)

The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme provides an integrated general education, vocational training and work experience programme for young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and adults returning to education. Its purpose is to enhance their prospects of gaining employment or progressing to further or higher education.

Post Leaving Certificate courses are full-time one year programmes of integrated education, training and work experience provided in schools and colleges outside the third level sector.

National Certification at FETAC Levels 5 and 6 or equivalent is available and the courses cover a large range of options e.g. Business and Secretarial Skills, Computer Studies, Art Craft and Design, Multi-Media, Childcare and Community Care, Sport and Leisure, Tourism and Catering. PLC courses are provided predominantly in the VEC sector, but some Community and Comprehensive schools and Secondary schools also offer courses.

Applicants should contact their local VEC or school offering PLC courses.

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Training for People with Disabilities

FÁS training courses are available for people with Disabilities. In addition, there are 53 Specialist Training Providers contracted by FÁS to provide training courses exclusively for people with disabilities as some people with disabilities may require additional supports to meet their training needs e.g. longer duration of training, adaptation of the training approach and facilities.

On a FÁS course, delivered by either a Specialist Training Provider or a FÁS Training Centre, please note the following: -

• If you are in receipt of Disability Allowance or Blind Person's Pension, FÁS will pay a training allowance equivalent to your social welfare payment for the duration of your attendance on the course. In addition, FÁS will pay you a training bonus.
• If you are in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, you must obtain an exemption from the Rules of Behaviour from the Department of Social Protection before you can engage in FÁS training. Provided you have obtained this exemption, you will retain your social welfare payments in addition to receiving the FÁS training allowance. However, you will not receive the FÁS training bonus.
• Participants on FÁS training courses continue to receive any secondary benefits they were in receipt of before taking up the FÁS training course. Also, the Department of Social Protection will restore your social welfare payment, if, for any reason you are unable to continue your training.

For further information contact your local FÁS Employment Services Office or the Disability Support Unit, FÁS, 27 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4. Telephone (01) 607 0500. Alternatively, you can visit the FÁS website at www.fas.ie.

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Education, Training and Development Courses

You may be able to take up education, training or development courses not normally covered by the BTEA by going through the Jobs Facilitator at your local Social Welfare Office.

• Eligibility criteria are similar to those for the Back to Education Allowance (See leaflet SW70), however periods spent on VTOS, FÁS Training Courses, Youthreach, C.E., Back to Work Allowance, FÁS Job Initiative or Revenue Job Assist do not count towards the qualifying period
• A Facilitator must approve the course you wish to take up
• You must satisfy the Facilitator that the course will specifically improve your chance of getting a job

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Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)

The Department of Social Protection administer the Back to Education Allowance. This scheme allows you to keep your Social Welfare payment and return to approved full-time second and third level courses.

There are two education options available:

• Second level option
• Third level option

Redundancy

If you are awarded statutory redundancy, you can have immediate access to the BTEA. You must be entitled to a qualifying social welfare payment before starting your course.

Second Level Option

You can attend a second level course at any community, comprehensive, secondary or vocational school. The course must be full-time and lead to a certificate recognised by the Department of Education and Skills or approved by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), e.g. Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Post-Leaving Certificate or a City and Guilds Certificate

Other Second Level BTEA options

• Certain City and Guilds courses
• Foundation/Access courses at Universities or Institutes of Technology
• Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) courses

Please check with the school or college before you take up the course.

Third Level Option

You can attend a third level course of education at any university, third level college or institution provided that the course is a full-time day course of study and is approved under any of the following:

• The Department of Education and Skills Higher Education Grant scheme, or
• The Vocational Educational Committee's Scholarship Scheme, or
• The Third Level Maintenance Grant Scheme for Trainees, or
• If it receives Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) recognition

BTEA Postgraduate option

If you already have an undergraduate third-level qualification, (i.e. you have a degree) your application for the BTEA while pursuing post-graduate education will only be considered if you are doing a Higher Diploma in any discipline or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Primary or Secondary teaching only.

i You are advised to check with Department of Social Protection before taking up any further education options.

 

Payment on the BTEA

The Back to Education Allowance will only be paid for the 9-month academic year, for those in receipt of Jobseeker's payments. It is NOT payable for the 3-month Summer period between academic years. BTEA participants who are unable to find employment during the Summer period may be entitled to claim an unemployment payment. They will be required to satisfy the normal qualifying conditions, including the standard 'Genuinely Seeking Work' conditions - see Chapter 1.

Monitoring Arrangements

You must provide the Department of Social Protection with a certificate from the school/college confirming your registration, commencement and attendance as a full-time student on the course. You must supply this information to DSP before payment on the BTEA can begin. During the course of the academic year, you may be asked to provide confirmation that you are still taking part in the course.

Who is eligible for the Back to Education Allowance?

You will be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance if you are:

• Aged 21 and in receipt of one of the qualifying payments, or
• Aged 18 and in receipt of a (specified) disability payment, or
• Aged between 18 and 21 years of age and out of formal education for at least two years or
• Awarded a statutory redundancy payment and are entitled to a qualifying social welfare payment before starting your course.

Second Level option (SLO)

• Aged 21 or over getting one of the following payments for at least 3 months and be in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit, Farm Assist, One-Parent Family Payment, Deserted Wife's Allowance/Benefit, Widow's/Widower's Contributory, Non-contributory pension, Prisoners' Wife's Allowance or Carers Allowance
• Aged 18 or over and getting one of the following payments for at least 3 months: Blind Pension, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Incapacity Supplement or
• Aged between 18-20 and out of formal education for two years and getting one of the following payments for at least 3 months; Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or One-Parent Family Payment or
• Aged 18 or over and getting one of the following payments for at least 12 months: Blind Pension, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Incapacity Supplement or
• Aged between 18 and 20, out of formal education for two years and in receipt of: Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or One-Parent Family Payment for at least 12 months or - Aged 18 or over and in receipt of Illness Benefit for 2 years or more

i Under no circumstances will the BTEA be awarded to a person who already holds a postgraduate qualification.

Returning to the Back to Education Allowance (3rd Level Only)

Until now, a person could only apply for BTEA in respect of a 3rd level course, providing they were commencing their course at year 1. As of Monday 19th July, 2010 this changed as follows:

• A person will now be able to avail of BTEA where they previously did not complete their course (they may have 'dropped out') and are returning to the second or subsequent year of their 3rd level course.
• This also applies to people who are granted an exemption from a period of their 3rd level course because, for example, of their participation in a previous course. An example of this is where a person may previously have pursued a 3rd level course of education to higher certificate level. If they are planning to return to education to pursue their course to, say, degree level, they may avail of the BTEA for this.
• Where a person completed earlier year(s) of their 3rd level course on a part-time basis but is now getting a Jobseeker's payment, they may apply for BTEA to continue their course on a full-time basis.

For further information on these changes to the Back to Education Allowance, please visit the Department of Social Protection website at www.welfare.ie

Other Qualifying Periods

Periods spent on VTOS, FÁS Training Courses, Youthreach, C.E., Back to Work Allowance, FÁS Job Initiative or Revenue Job Assist may count towards the qualifying period to qualify for the BTEA. You may access the BTEA Scheme directly from one of these schemes under certain conditions.

Periods spent in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA), Direct Provision or periods spent in prison may count towards the qualifying period for BTEA, but you must establish an entitlement to a Social Welfare payment before you commence your course of study.

If you finish one of the above mentioned schemes, and there is a break over 4 weeks between finishing the scheme and beginning an approved course of study you must establish an entitlement to a relevant qualifying Social Welfare payment in order to qualify for the BTEA.

Payment on the Back to Education Allowance

• Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is paid at a standard rate. If you are currently getting a reduced rate of payment on your existing social welfare payment you will be entitled to a higher standard weekly rate on BTEA
• If you are getting Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or Farm Assist you will be paid BTEA equal to the highest standard rate of Jobseeker's Benefit, i.e. ?188.00 for a single person. You will not have to 'sign on' while on the BTEA
• If you are getting the One-Parent Family Payment, Deserted Wife's Allowance, Deserted Wife's Benefit, Widows/Widowers Contributory/non-Contributory pension, Prisoners Wife Allowance, Illness Benefit, Blind Pension or Carer's Allowance (after your caring responsibilities have finished), you will be paid BTEA at a rate equal to the highest rate of your current social welfare payment. You will not receive two payments
• If you are a Qualified Adult Dependant of a person who is eligible for BTEA you can qualify for BTEA in your own right. You will receive an allowance equal to the highest standard personal rate your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant would receive
• In addition to your weekly payment, you will receive an annual €500 cost of education allowance
• If you work part-time or casually, this will not affect your BTEA payment as long as you maintain your full-time student status. However, income from part-time or casual employement could affect your entitlement to Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement.
• You will keep any entitlement to any secondary benefits you have - Fuel Allowance, Diet Supplement, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme (subject to the conditions above)

How to apply for a place

• Contact the colleges directly to get information about courses. The Area Based Partnerships (see Chapter 7), the local VEC and your LES will be willing to help you do this and can help with general information. In addition, they may help you with financial assistance towards the application fees
• Contact the student officer at the colleges Students Union Office for information and suggestions
• Most applications are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Some colleges may also ask you to make a separate application to them directly. Ask if this is necessary
• The college may ask you to attend an interview to assess your knowledge of the subjects you wish to study. During this interview they might ask about your motivation and commitment to staying in college for the duration of the course
• When you receive a letter offering you a place at college, fill out Form BTE1 available at your local Social Welfare Office

How to apply for a maintenance grant

• You should apply for a student grant to the local authority or Vocational Education Committee (VEC) in your home area, not the area where the college is located. These grants are means tested. To be eligible for financial assistance under the student grant schemes, you must be entering an approved full-time course in an approved institution. You must also satisfy the eligibility conditions for the relevant scheme which include age, nationality, residence, academic progression and means
• There are two rates of maintenance grant. The adjacent rate (if you live less than 45 kilometres from the college) and the non-adjacent rate (if you live more than 45 kilometres from the college). Detailed information on financial supports for students can be found on the website www.studentfinance.ie
• From January 2010 student grants and scholarships were reduced by 5%. This applies to all existing and new grant holders
• Support under the Millennium Partnership Scheme has been withdrawn with effect from the 2010/2011 academic year
• From September 2010, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance and the VTOS Allowance for those pursuing PLC courses will be ineligible for student maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met for eligible students by the Exchequer on their behalf. This does not occur automatically, you must apply.
• A number of social welfare payments, which have been excluded in the means-testing process, will now be included as reckonable income in assessing eligibility for student grants i.e. Back to Education Allowance (this is in addition to the measure where students cannot hold the BTEA and student maintenance grant simultaneously) and the One Parent Family Payment (OPFP) except where it is payable to the student
• The income tax adjustment for farm stock relief will be disregarded in calculating reckonable income for the means test
• For grant elegibility the student must be resident in the State for 3 of the past 5 years
• For re-entry as an independently assessed mature student the duration of the break in studies has increased to 3 years
• Introduction of an administrative deadline for the submission of grant appeals

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Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

VTOS is a second chance education initiative designed specifically for the unemployed. It is funded by the Department of Educaton and Skills and operated by VECs. There are 5,000 places available on VTOS. To be eligible to participate on VTOS you must be:

• Aged 21 or over and
• In receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance, Illness Benefit (subject to approval of the Department of Social Protection), One Parent Family Payment, Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance for 6 months
• Signing for PRSI 'Credits' for at least 6 months
• The spouse/civil partner/cohabitant of somebody claiming one of these payments for 6 months
• In receipt of Carer's Allowance and have ceased caring responsibilities
• Time spent on a FÁS training course or CE scheme can count towards the six-month qualifying period. Periods spent on Job Initiative, Youthreach programmes or time spent in prison can count towards this six-month qualifying period, but a person must be getting one of the relevant Social Welfare payments before starting the programme
• People in receipt of the following categories of payments are also eligible to join VTOS provided they are at least 21 years of age and have not been engaged in paid work for at least six months: One Parent Family Payment, Blind Person's Pension; Deserted Wife's Allowance / Benefit; Widow/Widower's Contributory/Non-Contributory Pension; Prisoner's Wife's Allowance

Payment on VTOS

• There are no course fees
• You will be paid a standard rate each week - equal to the maximum rate of Jobseeker's Benefit, which is €188 for a single person in place of JA/JB. People in receipt of other categories of payment will continue to receive payment from the Department of Social Protection
• You will not receive a payment if you are signing on for PRSI 'credits' only.
• If you work part-time or casually during your studies, this will not affect your payment
• If on JA/JB you will no longer have to "sign-on"
• Travel and meal allowances are paid at FÁS rates
• An additional allowance of €20 is payable if you have been in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment for at least one year directly before participating in VTOS
• Some assistance with book and course materials may be provided

If you receive a rent/mortgage interest supplement and take up part-time work while on VTOS, Rent Supplement Assessment rules will apply, i.e. disregard the first €75 of income from employment and 25% of any income over €75 is counted against your rent/mortgage interest supplement - See Chapter 2 for details.

 

i If you receive the additional allowance of €20.00 on VTOS (see box above) and take up part-time work, the rent/mortgage interest supplement earnings disregard of €75.00 will be reduced from €75.00 to €50.00

Childcare

People on VTOS, Youthreach and Senior Travelling Training Programmes may be able to access free childcare under the Childcare Education and Training Scheme (CETS) provided by the new Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Contact your local VEC or Childcare Committee for more information.

Studying on VTOS

Programmes offered under VTOS are education-led, vocationally-oriented and progression-focussed. The programmes give participants the opportunity of:

• raising their education levels
• gaining certification with the National Framework of Qualifications
• developing knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace and
• progressing to employment or to further education or training leading to employment.

The range of learning opportunities provided by VTOS centres include:

• Junior Certificate
• Leaving Certificate and
• Courses leading to FETAC and equivalent awards at Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

A variety of subject areas is offered at Junior and Leaving Certificate levels. Vocational designations covered in the FETAC awards are chosen from a wide range of designations, including new technologies, commerce, media, engineering, administration, theatre, arts craft and design.

How to apply

Contact your nearest VEC, AEGI, local LES or your local library

VTOS courses usually begin in September/October, but it may be possible to start at other times

Each VEC has a VTOS Co-ordinator who can assist you with information and advice on suitable courses

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Aontas

Aontas is the National Association of Adult Education. It exists to promote the development of a learning society through the provision of a quality and comprehensive system of adult learning and education that is accessible to all people. It is a voluntary membership organisation. Aontas offers a free information service to the public providing information on courses, funding, application procedures and other areas specific to the needs of adults. It produces several publications aimed at helping mature students back into education.

Contact: Aontas, 2nd Floor, 83-87 Main Street, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Tel: (01) 406 8220/1. Website: www.aontas.com

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Return to Work Courses

These courses are for people who have been out of the work place for a long time - e.g. women who have spent the last number of years working in the home. These courses concentrate on personal development and skills training (contact your local FÁS Employment Services Office for details).

 

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Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)

The Back to Education Initiative provides for an expansion of flexible part-time options across Further Education. Its priority is those adults with less than upper second level education and it aims to give adults who wish to return to education an opportunity to combine their return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities.

It offers Post-Leaving Certificate, VTOS, Youthreach, STTC programmes on a part-time basis. Courses are free for any adult with a less than upper second level education.

Courses offered can include subjects in the Junior or Leaving Certificate and a wide range of modules such as Communications, Personal Development, Business, Computing, Childcare, Art and Craft, Tourism, Catering, Sport and Leisure etc. For information contact the Adult Education Officer or Adult Guidance Information Officer at your local VEC.

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Training for Young People

Youthreach Youthreach is an integrated programme of education, training and work experience, introduced jointly by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) with FÁS in 1989, for young people between 15 and 20 years of age who have left school early without any qualifications or vocational training. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella, all funded by the DES. Almost 3,700 of these are operated by VECs in around 100 Youthreach centres and the majority of the remainder are operated by FÁS in around 30 Community Training Centres (CTCs).

The programme usually provides two years integrated education, training and work experience, although they can be flexible, depending on your individual needs. The length of the course depends on both the starting point of the individual and the level of certification the person wishes to attain. A training allowance is paid to trainees, depending on age.

Basic skills training, practical work training and general education are features of the programme, and the application of new technology is integrated into all aspects of programme content. There is a strong emphasis on personal development, on the core skills of literacy/numeracy, communications and IT, along with a choice of vocational options and a work experience programme.

Courses can lead to a FETAC qualification, to the Junior or Leaving Certificate, or a number of other recognised certificates such as City and Guilds of London. For further information contact your local VEC or FÁS.

Payments to Youthreach participants

Participants are paid the basic FÁS training allowance, a lunch allowance and may also qualify for a travel allowance. If you have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 12 months, you will receive an additional weekly allowance of €20.00 while on the course.

Skills Foundation Programme

Courses on this programme provide basic skills training and last for up to 7 months. Participants may then move on to mainstream FÁS training courses.

Local Training Initiatives (LTIs)

Local Training Initiatives are set up by FÁS in order to help the local communities carry out valuable projects to benefit their communities while at the same time providing work experience and training for participants. Participants receive the standard FÁS training allowance and all training on LTIs leads to FETAC certification. These projects are full-time, 35 hours a week and the duration of the projects vary. Participants must be unemployed and over 16 years of age.

Community Training Centres (CTCs)

FÁS fund CTCs which are managed by local voluntary boards representing the community. These Centres provide work experience and training for early school leavers, between 16 and 21 years of age, in their local communities. If you take up this option you will be paid the standard FÁS training allowance.

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Skillnets

Skillnets enables groups of companies within the private sector to set up training networks. Training delivery is industry driven. The majority of training courses will be open to people on a Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit payment or self-employed people who have ceased trading. For further information contact Skillnets on: (01) 207 9630. Website: www.skillnets.ie

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Grants and Funds available for Mature Students

If you wish to enter or return to third-level education and you are over 23 years of age, Irish third-level colleges have places on their courses for mature students. You will have to consider the costs of fees and maintenance depending on whether you are going to do a full-time or a part-time course. If you are leaving work to study full-time you may be eligible for a third-level maintenance grant.

If you do not qualify for a maintenance grant and you are doing a full-time undergraduate course you may be eligible for free fees. (If you are applying for an undergraduate course you are not eligible for a maintenance grant or free fees if you have already completed an undergraduate course.)

If you are applying for a postgraduate course you will have to pay fees unless you get a maintenance grant. You will also have to pay fees if you are intending to study part-time or do a distance learning course. If you do have to pay fees you may be able to get tax relief at the standard rate.

i People who are getting Back to Education Allowance and those on Post-Leaving Certificate courses who are getting VTOS allowances will not be eligible for student support grants. However, this does not affect any entitlement they may have to exemption from college fees or student support charges. This applies to all new grant-holders from 2010 onwards.

Help with Fees and Maintenance

The main schemes that apply to mature students (generally persons over 23 years of age) are:

• The Higher Education Grants Scheme, which is available to students who plan to study full time on approved third-level courses (of at least two years' duration), including mature students
• The Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme, which generally applies to students who have completed a Level 6 (National Certificate) or a Level 7 (National Diploma) course and are progressing to an approved degree course
• If you are getting an unemployment, one-parent family or disability payment the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows you to study at second and third level without losing your benefits. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the BTEA

Other Funds

There are a number of other funds available to support you in your return to third-level education. These include:

Fund for students with disabilities

If you have a physical disability, you may be entitled to some financial support. The Department of Education and Skills administers a special fund that helps students with disabilities during the period of their studies.

Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund is for students who, having commenced a third-level course, experience financial hardship and, therefore, may be unable to continue their third-level studies. Applications for funding should be made by the individual student to the access/disability officer in their institution. The Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

Where to apply

• Contact the mature students officer or the admissions officer at the college of your choice
• Apply to your local VEC for the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme
• For the Special Fund for People with Disabilities apply to the Student Counsellor or Disability Support Officer at the college of your choice
• Apply to your local authority for the Higher Education Grants Scheme

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Adult Educational Guidance Initiative (AEGI)

This initiative which was launched in 2000 provides information and guidance regarding adult education opportunities to people attending the Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme, Back To Education Initiative, literacy schemes and those participating in other adult and community education programmes. The service is also available to survivors of residential abuse and their families. There are currently 40 projects operating nationwide.

The AEGI service offers information, advice and guidance on an individual and group basis in respect of personal, educational and career guidance and covers the pre-entry, entry, ongoing and pre-exit stages. The development of the guidance service in education provides an important contact point for providers in the FÁS Employment Services. You should contact your local VEC for further information for opportunities in further education or for further information about the AEGI, contact the National Centre for Guidance in Education (01) 869 0715 or the Further Education Section at the Department of Education and Skills (090) 648 3600.

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Part-Time Education options

If you are a Jobseeker, you can take on part-time study and retain your Jobseekers payment. Although this option is not part of any return-to-education programme or course, you have the right to pursue training, re-training or education which may improve your ability to seek and find work, while you continue to look for work.

To be eligible:

• You will still need to be 'Genuinely Seeking Work' (see Chapter 1)
• If you are offered a place on a course, you will need a letter from the College or School stating that the course is part-time. Make sure you bring this with you when you go to your local Social Welfare Office

There are many part-time courses, usually called 'Adult Education Courses', available in schools and colleges. There is usually a small fee for these courses, but very often a reduced rate fee applies to people on low incomes. Ask about possible fee reductions. These courses are listed in The Guide to Evening Classes, available in your local library or bookshop.

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Industrial Related Training

Industry Related Training

FÁS Specific Skills Training Courses

FÁS run a large number and range of training courses through its national network of training centres.

These courses are run in the daytime and evenings, with some Safe Pass courses run on Saturdays. They are aimed at people who wish to acquire new skills or up-date existing skills. There are a vast range of Specific Skills and Traineeship courses available including office/computer based, electronics, business, construction, personal services, pre-employment/job clubs and many others (Visit the FÁS website for a full listing www.fas.ie).

The duration of Courses can vary, but typically last 4-6 months. To apply, register with your local FÁS Employment Services Office where you will receive a guidance interview to determine the most relevant training avaliable for you. Most FÁS courses are certified with FETAC Awards or other vocational awarding body certificates.

i Priority on Daytime courses are for people who are unemployed, other applicants may be identified through the guidance interview. The evening time and Saturday courses are open to everyone, but in most cases there is a fee.

FÁS Training Allowances

Persons participating in FÁS Training Schemes may be entitled to a FÁS training allowance.

Jobseeker's Benefit/Jobseeker's Allowance:

Your payment is suspended. You will receive a FÁS training allowance of the same amount. You will get a training bonus of €20 per week if you: Have been getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 12 months or more, or Are progressing from at least 12 months on a FÁS Community Employment (CE) or Job Initiative (JI) programme or have been involved in a combination of the above. For example, if you have been getting Jobseeker's Benefit for 6 months and have been on a Community Employment scheme for another 6 months of the previous year.

Disability Allowance or Blind Pension:

Your Disability Allowance or Blind Pension is suspended but you will get a FÁS training allowance of the same amount. You will get a training bonus of €20 per week. You will keep any secondary benefits, such as your medical card or travel pass.

Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension:

You will keep your Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension (but you must get an exemption from the Department of Social Protection authorising you to do the FÁS course). You will get a FÁS training allowance. You will not get a training bonus. You will keep your secondary benefits.

One-Parent Family Payment:

You will keep your One-Parent Family Payment (but it will be reduced as your FÁS training allowance will be assessed against it as income). You will get a FÁS training allowance. You will not get a training bonus of €20 per week, unless you are progressing from at least 12 months on a CE Scheme or Job Initiative programme.

 

Persons who declare they have a disability on registration with FÁS will be considered a priority case for training. Any specialist equipment/adaptation that a disabled trainee may require, FÁS will endeavour to have in place before commencement of training, if prior notice has been given. Any such requirements should be discussed with your Employment Services Officer.

• If you have been in receipt of Carer's Allowance for 12 months or more before starting the course you will receive an additional €20.00 weekly allowance while on the course.
• Some money may be paid towards accommodation costs if you are living away from home during the course. The maximum rates are - Daily Rate €13.98, Weekly Rate €69.90.
• A travel allowance may be paid if the Training Centre is three or more miles or five kilometers or more from where you live.
• A lunch allowance of €4.00 a week may be paid to full time course participants (for lunch outside the Training Centre).
• If the partner of a person who is claiming a Social Welfare payment takes part on a FÁS non-craft training course then the qualified adult portion of the Social Welfare payment is automatically lost - but the person on the course will receive a training allowance.
• If you are claiming a Rent or Mortgage Supplement, talk to your CWO before taking up the course (see Chapter 2 for Rent Supplement Assessments and Chapter 7 for contact details for CWOs).

How to apply

You must be registered with and apply through FÁS to participate in any of their training courses. Your Employment Services Officer (ESO) at your local FÁS office can advise you on the range of training options available to you. Following a guidance interview you can be referred or booked on a relevant course and FÁS will contact you when a place becomes available.

You should keep in regular contact with your ESO about training opportunities. The interview with your local ESO will assist you in looking at the options available.

Traineeship Programme

Traineeships are skill development programmes run in partnership between FÁS and employers in many sub-sectors of employment. They seek to use the best match of FÁS Certificates in named occupations by FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council.

Industry agreed standards for in-company training is reflected in the work place training record, which specifies the workplace training elements. The structure of the programme and recognition of its certification enables participants to progress to further training, education and employment opportunities and supports the development of clear "career paths" for individuals in an occupational field.

Standard FÁS training allowances are paid. Employer resources and expertise are utilised to provide a quality-training programme for unemployed people.

Traineeships comprise training in a FÁS or FÁS approved training centre combined with training in the workplace with a host employer. Research has shown that Traineeship enjoys a very high rate of work placement for programme participants.

Essential elements of Traineeships include the involvement of employers in the selection of trainees, development of the curriculum, certification and on-the-job training. Training is standards based and leads to the award of National Skills qualification.

Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is a way of combining work experience and training to get a "trade" or become a qualified craftsperson.

During the apprenticeship your employer provides you with on-the-job training and work experience. You also receive off-the-job training in a local FÁS training centre or educational college.

Apprentice rates differ depending on the trade and stage of the apprenticeship of the participant.

To obtain an apprenticeship you must: - be at least 16 years old and - have at least a grade D in any 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate (or equivalent grades in other approved examinations), and - you must obtain a job as an apprentice with a suitable employer, who can offer you an apprenticeship in your chosen occupation, and - your employer must register you with FÁS as an apprentice at the start of your apprenticeship, within two weeks of your recruitment. If you do not meet these requirements there are a number of ways in which it is still possible to qualify for an apprenticeship. - You can satisfactorily complete a preparation and training course approved by FÁS and are successful at an assessment interview. - You may qualify if you are over 18 years of age, have a minimum of 3 years work experience relevant to your chosen occupation and are successful at an assessment interview.

i A special Bursary Payment of €2,667 aimed at encouraging women into apprenticeships is available, please contact your local FÁS office for further information.

 

FÁS will endeavour to have in place before commencement of training any appropriate specialist equipment/adaptation that a disabled trainee may require, if prior notice has been given. Any such requirements should be discussed with your Employment Services Officer.

Redundancy and Apprentices

FÁS, with the support of the Social Partners, is providing a temporary Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme for apprentices who have been made redundant due to the reduction in activity in the construction industry.

Contact FÁS for more information visit www.fas.ie

Teagasc

Teagasc is Ireland's agricultural and food development authority. It provides research, advisory and training services to the agricultural and food industry. There are fees for meals and accommodation at residential courses. Teagasc pay the colleges a maintenance grant but students must pay the balance. There is no fee for non-residential students. There is a fee for courses that do not have a residential option.

There are no minimum education entry requirement for Teagasc courses.

After completing their first year, students should obtain a FETAC Level Four Vocational Certificate and can usually go on to study for a second year to earn a FETAC Level Five Certificate. For more details, contact TEAGASC at (059) 917 0200.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

BIM is the agency responsible for vocational training of personnel in all sectors of the Irish seafood industry. Training is provided through the coastal training services, which encompasses the National Fisheries College, the Regional Fisheries Centre and two mobile Coastal training Units. For more information on training and education services available contact BIM at (01) 214 4100.

Fáilte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland is the National Tourism Development Authority to guide and promote the evolution of tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.

Skills Training

The Skills Training Division provides entry-level skills for those joining the tourism industry. Typically these training programmes are offered in a variety of formats and cover key operational areas such as culinary skills, restaurant services skills, and bartending skills.

Programmes are run at Fáilte Ireland's permanent Training Centres in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. A number of temporary training centres are regularly established at other regional locations each year in conjunction with community groups, Area Partnerships and industry organisations. Core elements of the service include: -

Accredited training: The programmes lead to a recognised award from the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), and in most cases position graduating trainees to pursue their craft education to a higher award level in the Institute of Technology sector

Return to Work:

All programmes support those wishing to secure the skills required to get back in to full-time or part-time employment. Related to this is a growing interest in programmes that equip third level students with some of the elementary skills required to work safely on a part-time basis in tourism and hospitality

For more information on courses call Fáilte Irelands "People in Tourism" centre on callsave 1850 256 256

Last Updated: 06/09/2011 ^ back to top

Senior Traveller Training Centres Programme

Budget 2011 announced that the Senior Traveller Training Centre provision is being phased out by summer 2012. STTCs cannot enrol any new learners from 1 January 2011.

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top

Training Introduction

Thousands of adults have successfully returned to education and training to learn new skills, develop existing abilities and improve their chances of getting the job they want.

In this chapter we identify the range of training and education opportunities available to unemployed people and explain how you can take up education or training while keeping your social welfare payment.

In addition we look at what you can do and where you can go to find help or guidance with literacy issues.

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top

The Work Placement Programme

The Work Placement Programme is a Government supported programme that brings employers and the unemployed together for a work experience placement for a maximum duration of nine months.

If you are unemployed and have not secured paid work, the programme allows you to apply your existing skills and gain new competencies and valuable experience in a workplace setting.

Is the Work Placement Programme only for graduates or can non-graduates apply?

Yes, the Work Placement Programme is open to Graduates and Non Graduates

e.g.

Stream 1 -- aimed at Graduates who have been awarded a qualification at Level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications

Stream 2 -- aimed at those who are unemployed for three months

Will I get paid?

There is no payment for a placement on the Work Placement Programme. However, if you are in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment, you can retain this payment.

How many places are available?

The Work Placement Programme was expanded in 2010 to provide an additional 5,000 places in the public service and a further 500 placements for graduates in the private sector. The total number of places available on the Work Placement Programme is:

Sector Work Placement Programme Number of Places Private Sector WPP 1 (Graduate) 1,500 Private Sector WPP 2 (Non-Graduate) 1,000 Public Sector WPP 1 & WPP 2 (Graduate and Non-Graduate) 5,000 Total 7,500

 

How can I find out more?

You can log onto www.fas.ie and go to the Job Bank or drop into your local FÁS Employment Services Office.

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top

Education Introduction

The rest of this chapter explores a range of options available if you are considering returning to education. These options will allow you to keep your Social Welfare payment while studying.

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top

FIT (Fastrack to Information Technology)

FIT is a unique initiative which was set up for unemployed people to access training and pursue employment opportunities requiring skills in Information Technology (IT). FIT is supported by industry and involves major companies (AIB, Alchemy, AOL, Eircom, HP, IBM, Microsoft, O2, Oracle, Siemens, Skillsoft and Symantec) who are actively committed to the integration of marginalised job seekers into the workforce through gaining IT skills. To this end all FIT Programmes, which have been developed by industry (currently 24 ICT curricula, covering technical skills and personal/professional development), are run throughout Ireland.

FIT provides ongoing support to the graduates of its programmes and views its primary objective is not just the securement of a job but the commencement of a career. To join a FIT course applicants do not need any formal education or professional experience, just an interest in IT and a willingness to learn. To find out more information on the wide range of courses on offer, to check the eligibility criteria and to enroll on a FIT course contact: FIT Ltd. at (01) 882 5570. Website: www.fit.ie

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top