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 is on the FÁS website, together with contact telephone numbers and venues for courses.
SOLAS
A new
further education and training authority called SOLAS (Seirbhísí
Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna) is being set up. FÁS will be disbanded.
Participants on current FÁS and further education courses will not be affected
by the establishment of SOLAS and will continue their courses under the new
authority.
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.
Rates
In general, trainees get a weekly training allowance. The rate you get is linked to your age.
You will not get a training allowance when you start a FÁS course unless you are entitled to a qualifying payment, such as Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit.
Weekly training allowances in 2012 are as follows :
| Age | Rate per week (full-time) | Rate per week (20 hours) |
| 16-17 years* | €40 | €23 |
| 16 years (getting Disability Allowance) | €76.65 | €44.10 |
| 17 years (getting Disability Allowance) | €95.75 | €55.10 |
| 18 years and over | €188.00 | €108.20 |
*Applies to new entrants from 1 January 2012 excluding those getting Disability Allowance.
However, if you are getting a higher social welfare payment before starting the course, your training allowance will match that higher rate.
You can find more information in our document on FÁS training allowances.
How to apply
Contact your local FÁS office for advice and information 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
FÁS
P.O. Box 456
27-33 Upper Baggot Street
Dublin 4
Ireland
Tel:+353 1 607 0500
Fax:+353 1 607 0600
Homepage: http://www.fas.ie
Email: info@fas.ie
Language
Related Documents
- FÁS Community Training Centres
FÁS Community Training Centres are aimed at young people who have left school early without any formal qualifications. Information on the scope and duration of the training offered, as well as accreditation and allowances on offer. - FÁS training allowances
If you get a place on a FÁS training course you may be paid an allowance for the duration of your course. - FÁS training courses
Information about FÁS training courses, who is eligible for them and the allowances for participants
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.