FÁS Community Training Centres
Information
If you are between the ages of 16 and 21 years and have left school early without any formal qualifications, the FÁS Community Training Centres offer you the opportunity to improve your basic skills and take part in vocational training. The training provided is part of the Youthreach programme and it is mainly for early school leavers aged 16 to 21. In some cases young people aged up to 25 can also participate in the training - see 'Rules' below.
The training on offer varies from centre to centre, often depending on the facilities available. If you have an interest in a particular career, you should look around for a centre offering a suitable course rather than applying automatically to the centre nearest to you. During your training, you will concentrate on a core area of your choice. However, basic subjects, such as English, Maths and, in many cases, computers, are generally covered by all trainees. Opportunities to improve literacy and numeracy are available in all centres.
The course is full-time. It usually lasts for one year, although you can extend in certain circumstances, with a maximum of 2 years. If you complete your course successfully, you will be awarded with an appropriate qualification, such as a FETAC award, giving you greater opportunities to find work or move into more advanced training. Some trainees also choose to sit for Junior or Leaving Certificate qualifications. While you are attending a Community Training Centre you may receive a training allowance - see 'Rates' below.
SOLAS
Rules
You are eligible for a place on a Community Training Centre programme if you are aged between 16 and 21 years. While this is the main priority group for Community Training Centres, they can provide for other young people under the age of 25 who are disadvantaged and unemployed, with agreement from FÁS.
Rates
In 2012, the weekly rates of training allowance are:
| Age | Rate per week |
| 16-17 years* | €40 |
| 16 years (getting Disability Allowance) | €76.65 |
| 17 years (getting Disability Allowance) | €95.75 |
| 18 years + | €188 |
*Applies to new entrants from 1 January 2012 except those getting Disability Allowance.
In general, you will not get a training allowance unless you are entitled to a qualifying payment, such as Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit. However if you are aged under 18 and attending a Community Training Centre you will still get the age-related training allowance.
There is further information in our document on FÁS training allowances
How to apply
Call into your local FÁS Community Training Centre or Youthreach centre and talk to staff there about your training needs and interests. Staff at these centres can help you with application forms if necessary.
Language
Related Documents
- FÁS National Traineeship Programme
The National FÁS Traineeship programme including information on how it works, who it is aimed at, how to apply and what allowances are available to participating trainees. - Early school leavers programmes
There are a number of education schemes for young people and others who have left school without a recognised qualification. - Youthreach
Youthreach is aimed at people between 15 and 20 years of age who left school without formal qualifications. It provides opportunities to build on your basic education and improve your vocational and work experience skills.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.