FÁS National Traineeship Programme

Information

If you are unemployed and looking for an opportunity to gain training, experience and a formal qualification in a particular area of work, the FÁS Traineeship programme may suit your needs.

Traineeships are full-time. The duration of the programme will depend on the area in which you choose to train. Most traineeships take from 20 to 40 weeks to complete.

You begin your training in a training centre where you develop skills in your chosen area. When this initial training is completed, you move back and forth between the centre and the employer's workplace, further developing your skills and gaining practical experience. Your training schedule is agreed between the training centre and your employer and you work towards a formal qualification in your field. When you complete your course you will receive a FETAC award at either Certificate or Advanced Certificate level.

The range of traineeships available is likely to change so you need to keep in touch with your local FÁS office for up-to-date information. At the moment, you can choose from traineeships on offer in a wide range of areas. A list of traineeships available in all FÁS Training Centres in Ireland is on the FÁS website, together with contact telephone numbers and venues for courses.

Rules

You are eligible to apply for a traineeship if you are unemployed or a first-time job-seeker. You must be at least 16 years of age, living in Ireland and registered with FÁS before you apply for a traineeship. You may need to have certain abilities to be considered for some areas of training.

FÁS is committed to equal opportunities in the traineeship programme and has achieved almost 50% female participation across the programme areas.

Rates

In general, trainees get a weekly training allowance. The rate you get is linked to your age.

Budget 2010 introduced a new rule, whereby you will not get a training allowance when you start a FÁS scheme unless you are entitled to a qualifying payment, such as Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit.

Weekly training allowances with effect from 1 January 2010 are as follows :

However, if you are getting a higher social welfare payment before starting the course, your training allowance will match that higher rate.

A Training Bonus of €31.80 per week is payable to the following categories of people who were on, or commenced, a FÁS training course on or after 19th April 1999:

• People getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 12 months or more
• People who progress to FÁS training having completed a minimum of 12 months on a Community Employment Scheme or Job Initiative Programme
• People who have completed a minimum period of 12 months in a combination of the above categories (that is, in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance, on Community Employment or Job Initiative) before progressing to a FÁS training course are eligible for the bonus
• People with a disability who are not getting Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension

How to apply

Contact your local FÁS office for advice and information out about the traineeships available to you. Information on your nearest FÁS office is available from the address below or from your social welfare local office.

Where to apply