If you are looking to change direction in your career or you are a first time job-seeker, you can choose from a large number of education and training programmes funded by FÁS, the VEC, and other Government Departments and agencies. These offer a wide range of full-time and part-time options so you can choose the one that best suits your circumstances.
There are big variations from course to course in relation to eligibility conditions and training allowances on offer, so it is necessary to check the details of each separate course carefully.
Aside from the courses listed below, you may also be able to access education and training if you are involved in a youth group, a community group or minoryty group. Ask the co-ordinator of the group in which you are active for information regarding education and training opportunities within that organisation.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
VTOS offers you an opportunity to return to full-time education if you are an unemployed adult or in receipt of certain benefits. One aim of the scheme is to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability. Another aim is to prepare people to go to paid employment or to further opportunities leading to paid employment. You can apply to join if you are: aged 21 or over, getting unemployment payments or signing for credits for at least six months. Courses are provided free of charge if you are currently getting an unemployment payment, you will instead get a training allowance equivalent to the maximum standard rate of Unemployment Benefit, if you are getting One-Parent Family Payment or Disability Allowances you will get a payment equivalent to the maximum rate of your current social welfare payment. You will continue to receive payment in the normal way from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. There could be meal and travel allowances if you living more them 3 miles from course. Childcare support could be also available.FÁS Training Courses
FAS Training courses offer you an opportunity to develop or upgrade your skills in the commercial and industrial sectors if you are unemployed or redundant.FÁS Traineeships
Traineeships offer you a mixture of on-the-job training with an employer and off-the job training in a FÁS Training Centre if you are either a first time job seeker or unemployed.Youthreach
If you are between 15 and 20 years of age and have left school without any formal qualifications, the YOUTHREACH programme will provide you with opportunities for basic education, personal development, vocational training and work experience.
The YOUTHREACH programme is generally full-time, although part-time courses can be arranged. You can concentrate on a core training area of your choice but basic subjects, such as English, Maths and Lifeskills, are generally covered by all trainees.
The course generally lasts from 1 to 2 years although it can be flexible, depending on your individual needs. If you complete the basic training successfully, you will be awarded a Foundation Certification or the Junior Certificate. The course is free and trainees receive a weekly allowance. In addition, you will also receive a travel allowance if you have to travel more than 4.9 km (3 miles) to the Centre. www.youthreach.ieEducation and Training offered by other Government Agencies
State agencies such as Fáilte Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Teagasc, Coillte and the Crafts Council of Ireland offer you a range of specialist courses in their specific areas of work.
Fáilte Ireland is the National Tourism Development Authority of the island of Ireland. It is responsible for supporting the development of the Irish tourism industry. The new organisation will continue to execute the remits of both certificate and Bord Fáilte. www.failteireland.ie
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)
BIM provides a range of services including advisory, financial, technical, marketing and training supports to all sectors of the Irish seafood industry.
BIM courses are developed for the industry, they're hands on qualifications you can apply directly to the world of work. Commercial Fishing, Fish Farming, Marine Engineering and Seafood Processing courses offer practical training with realistic career opportunities. www.bim.ie
Teagasc
Continuing education are now a feature of all professions and walks of life and in this regard farmers and rural dwellers are no different to anyone else. To meet this demand Teagasc now provide a comprehensive range of adult training programmes at local offices in each county. All the courses however have one thing in common. They bring together a group of like-minded people and provide up to the minute information relevant to the needs of the participants.The courses are delivered in modules of 12.5 or 25 hours duration. The courses are nationally accredited by FETAC and participants have the option of accumulating modules and progression to FETAC awards. www.teagasc.ie
The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) is the national agency for the development of the craft industry in Ireland. It aims to develop the market for Irish craft at home and abroad and to encourage excellence in Irish design and making. The courses are free and basic materials are supplied. www.ccoi.ie
Night classes
Self-funded educational opportunities are available to you through a range of night courses organised by your local VEC, FÁS Training Centres and many of the colleges and universities throughout the country.
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