Information
Types of courses
There are different training programmes to suit the needs of people who are unemployed or not in full-time education. The FÁS Traineeship Programme provides specific skills training together with relevant work experience. FÁS apprenticeships provide off-the-job training and on-the-job training with an employer in trades such as engineering, construction, motor, electrical, printing and furniture.
The courses can last anything from 2 weeks to 104 weeks depending on the programme area.
You are eligible to take part on a FÁS course if you are unemployed, redundant or out of full-time education.
New FÁS programmes in 2009
The Work Placement Programme provides work experience for unemployed people. There is more information in our document on the Work Placement Programme.
FÁS no longer runs the Short Time Working Training Programme, which provided part-time training for people on short-time work. If you are on short-time working you can contact your local SkillsNet co-ordinator to enquire about training options.
Training allowances
FÁS training courses are free and you may be paid a training allowance for the duration of your course. You can also claim an accommodation allowance if you need to live away from home for the duration of the course and a travel allowance if you live 3 miles or more from the course centre.
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.
The rate of the weekly training allowance is linked to your age. In 2010 if you are 15 or 16 years of age, the rate will be €79.90. If you are aged 17 years, the rate will be €99.80. If you are 18 years or over, it will be €196.00.
However, if you are getting a higher social welfare payment before starting the course, your training allowance will match that higher rate.
FÁS training allowances are not taxable.
You will also get a training bonus of €31.80 per week, if you:
- Have been getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 12 months or more, or
- Are progressing from at least 12 months on a FÁS Community Employment Scheme or
- Are progressing from at least 12 months on a FÁS Job Initiative Programme
- Have been involved in a combination of the above. For example, if you have been getting Jobseeker's Benefit for 6 months and have been on a Community Employment Scheme for another 6 months of the previous year.
People with disabilities
If you are getting Disability Allowance or Blind Person's Pension, it will be suspended while you are on the course and you will be paid a FÁS training allowance of €196 or an amount equal to your social welfare payment, whichever is the greater. You will also be paid a training bonus of €31.80 per week. You will still keep your secondary benefits, such as your medical card or your travel pass. If you are unable to finish the course or do not have a job at the end of it, your entitlement to your social welfare payment will be restored.
If you are getting Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, you will keep your social welfare payment as well as your secondary benefits. You will not be paid the €31.80 training bonus.
Applying for a FÁS training course
In order to apply for a place on a FÁS training course, you must first register with your local FÁS Employment Services Office. You will be interviewed in order to identify the course that will best suit your needs. Due to the pressure on some courses, you may not get a place immediately on the course of your choice. You can search online for FÁS training courses.
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Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on lo-call 1890 777 121* or on +353 (0) 21 452 1600 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre. *Please note that the rates charged for the use of 1890 numbers may vary among different service providers.
