What are my training and education options if I become unemployed?
AONTAS Disclaimer: Please be aware that information on this website is subject to change. Qualification for a course or entitlement varies depending on individual circumstances. For further information or clarification, contact your local Adult Guidance Initiative, or your local Social Welfare Office.
General Information about the Live Register
As unemployment continues to rise, the Government has responded with a number of 'Activation Measures' i.e. training and education programmes designed to respond to the current economic challenges and get people back to work.
The National Employment Action Plan (NEAP), operated by the Department of Social Protection and FÁS is the main activation measure for jobseekers. Under the NEAP, everyone who is approaching 3 months on the live register is identified by the Department of Social Protection and referred to FÁS for interview with a view to assisting them enter or re-enter the labour market. This will include information on the latest training and education options available to you.
The Department of Social Protection also provides jobseekers with one-to-one assistance through its facilitator service. Jobs Facilitators work closely with FÁS and other agencies at a local level and help jobseekers develop individual progression plans to develop their skills with the aim of improving their employment options.
You should also consider contacting the Adult Education Guidance Initiative. The Guidance Initiative is available through your local VEC. An Information Officer or Guidance Counsellor can assist you with your decision. To read more about Adult Guidance or find a Guidance Counsellor in your area click here.
What are my training and education options if I become unemployed?
If you are looking for a particular course, Qualifax is an excellent place to start. The site allows you to search courses by area or subject. Qualifax is a comprehensive database of courses available in a variety of education settings throughout the country.
The VEC Adult Education Services offer a number of accredited education and training options for adults, many of which are relevant to the labour market. Each VEC has an Adult Education Officer, who co-ordinates the provision of education and training for adults. A range of options is available to suit everyone, from adult basic education, right through to the Back to Education Initiative, which offers flexible learning opportunities for people in employment.
In June 2010 the Tanaiste announced details of a series of new 'Labour Market Activation Measures' in response to rising unemployment. These were training and education initiatives targeting people who are unemployed. €20 million was dedicated to this fund and some 6,589 places were made available on a number of courses organised by private, public and statutory education providers. Following an open tender call, the training and reskilling programmes were particularly targeted at those formerly employed in declining sectors such as construction, retail and manufacturing, and had particular emphasis on the under 35s and the long-term unemployed.These courses are now almost complete.
In May 2011 the new Government announced a Jobs Iniatitive - which includes measures to inject growth into the economy. Education and training for people who are unemployed is included within the new Jobs Initiative. The Jobs Initiative commits to providing the following education and training:
- 6,000 places on specific skills training courses for people formerly employed in areas experiencing 'structural unemployment' eg construction.
- 3,000 additional places through the Back to Education Initiative - targeting adults with less than a Leaving Certificate Qualification.
- 5,900 places under a third level Springboard initiative, again targeting people employed in areas now experiencing significant structural unemployment.
At the end of May 2011 Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn announced further details on Springboard and launched the application process. This initiative which is ideally suited to people who have substantial work experience but who need a third level qualification to upskill or retrain in growth areas such as ICT, the Green Economy or the Food and Beverage Industry. Applications must be made through the Bluebrick portal, which also allows learners to compare different courses and search by area.
How do I know if I am eligible for Springboard?
The qualifying criteria for Springboard was recently revised and the original six month qualifying period was waived by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn. For more information visit the Bluebrick website.
What other options are available to me?
FÁS currently co-ordinates a number of training measures which respond to the learning needs of people who are unemployed. Courses available include anything from short courses, to blended learning options which include an online element, to specific skills training relevant to particular industries or sectors. Courses are run at different times in the day and may also lead to FETAC accreditation. Some of the courses provide a training allowance, as well as a contribution towards travel, meals and accommodation.
Some other options if you are unemployed for a longer period of time include:
- VTOS (The Vocational Training and Education Scheme) - VTOS offers a range of full time second chance educational opportunities, from basic education right through to vocational education. You must be at least 21 and in receipt of social welfare for at least six months.
- Community Employment - Community Employment schemesfunded through FÁS offer part time training and work experience opportunities for people who are long term unemployed. Qualifying criteria vary, but in general you must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least a year.
E-Learning and Distance Learning
FÁS recently joined forces with the Library Council to set up a new e-learning initiative. Learners can now avail of a number of learning opportunities from the comfort of their local library and learn at their own pace. There is no fixed date to sign up for a course and learners have the support of a facilitator who will be present at the library. There are currently no entry requirements, no allowances paid and no charges to those participating. Contact your local library to see if this service is available.
NALA (The National Adult Literacy Agency) recently developed www.writeon.ie as a distance learning resource which can help people achieve a FETAC Award at Levels 2 or 3 through a blended learning approach.
Learning and Gaining Work Experience
The Gradlink programme is co-ordinated by IBEC and offers work experience and internship opportunities for recent graduates. You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least three months to retain your benefit during an internship. You will be asked for a letter from your Social Welfare Office confirming your eligibility.
The Work Placement Programme operated by FÁS provides a nine month unpaid placement for recent graduates and people who are unemployed. Employers are based in the public, private and voluntary sectors. The placements are full time and you do not have to be in receipt of a social welfare payment to qualify. Alternatively, if you are on a social welfare payment for at least three months, you may be able to keep your payment but you must get approval from the Department o f Social Protection first.
