Working for Work : Chapter 6 : Training & Education

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.

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