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If
you live in Ireland, 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.
Opportunities
to improve literacy and numeracy are available at all Youthreach
centres.
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
Certificate from either the Further
Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) or
the Junior
Certificate. Having completed a Foundation Programme,
you may continue to a Progression Programme. This will give you
the opportunity to progress to the Leaving
Certificate Applied course or a higher-level FETAC
award or you can choose to continue other skills training. For
example, you may also enter an apprenticeship
course.
The
courses take place in Youthreach centres managed by
Vocational Education Committees (VEC's) and FÁS Community
Training Centres.
The Youthreach
programme is widely available in Ireland with over 120 centres and
6,000 places available for trainees. You can find your nearest
centre under the 'How to Apply' section below.
To
be eligible for Youthreach, you should be between 15 and 20 years
of age. You must have left school, with less than 5 Ds in the
Junior Certificate or without having attempted the Leaving
Certificate. Some exceptions can be made to this rule, for example
if you are a lone parent.
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. Childcare may be
available - you should check with the Centre or Workshop.
The
2009 weekly allowances are as follows:
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Trainee(s)
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Payment
per week
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Aged
16 years
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€83.25
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Aged 17
years
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€104.00
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Aged 18
years and over
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€204.30
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Youthreach
courses are held year-round and you can apply to join a course at
any time.
Contact
your local Youthreach
centre or
FÁS
Community Training Centre and talk to staff
about your training needs and interests. You can also contact your
local FÁS office or VEC. Staff members are available at these
centres to help you with application forms if necessary.
Further
information on www.youthreach.ie
County
Roscommon VEC on www.roscommonvec.ie
Source: www.citizensinformation.ie
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