Youthreach
Information
If you are between 15 and 20 years of age and have left school without any formal qualifications, the Youthreach programme can provide you with opportunities for basic education, personal development, vocational training and work experience.
The programme is generally full-time, although part-time courses can be arranged. You can concentrate on a core training area of your choice but basic subjects, such as English, maths and life skills, are generally covered by all trainees.
Opportunities to improve literacy and numeracy are available at all Youthreach centres.
Budget 2012
The rates payable to Youthreach participants aged under 18 are reduced. This reduction takes effect from 1 January 2012 for new entrants only. Existing participants aged under 18 will continue to get the higher rates - see 'Rates' below. Details of the changes are in Circular 0074/2011 (pdf) published by the Department of Education and Skills.
How Youthreach works
The course generally lasts from 1 to 2 years, although it can be flexible, depending on your individual needs. If you complete the basic training successfully, you will be awarded a Foundation Certification either from the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) or the Junior Certificate. Having completed a Foundation Programme, you may continue to a Progression Programme. This will give you the opportunity to progress to the Leaving Certificate Applied course or a higher-level FETAC award or you can choose to continue other skills training, such as an apprenticeship course.
The courses take place in Youthreach centres managed by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and FÁS Community Training Centres. Generally, Youthreach centres are open for 35 hours per week (9 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday).
The Youthreach programme is widely available. You can find your nearest centre under the 'How to apply' section below. Extra part-time places are available through the Back to Education Initiative.
Rules
To be eligible for Youthreach, you should be between 15 and 20 years of age. You must have left school, with fewer than 5 Ds in the Junior Certificate or without having attempted the Leaving Certificate. Some exceptions can be made to this rule, for example if you are a lone parent.
Rates
The course is free and trainees aged over 16 receive a weekly allowance. In addition, you will also receive a travel allowance if you have to travel more than 4.9 km to the centre. You may qualify for a free childcare place for your child - you should check with the centre or workshop.
The 2012 weekly allowances are as follows:
| Trainee(s) | Payment per week |
| Aged 16 years | €40 (new entrants)
€76.65 (existing participants) |
| Aged 17 years | €40 (new entrants)
€95.75 (existing participants) |
| Aged 18 years and over | €188.00 |
You will also get a Training Bonus of €20 per week if you:
- Have been getting Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance for 12 months or more
- Are progressing from at least 12 months on a FÁS Community Employment scheme or a FÁS Job Initiative scheme
- 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
How to apply
Youthreach courses are held year-round and you can apply to join a course at any time.
Contact your local Youthreach centre or FÁS Community Training Centre and talk to staff about your training needs and interests. You can also contact your local FÁS office or VEC. Staff members are available at these centres to help you with application forms if necessary.
Further information on the Youthreach programme is available from any of the
national Youthreach co-ordinators. You can also find more information by
visiting the Youthreach
website including Webwheel, a resource for
management and staff working in Youthreach and Community Training Centres.
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. - Early school leavers programmes
There are a number of education schemes for young people and others who have left school without a recognised qualification. - Continuing education and training
Find out about the various ways of continuing your education, furthering your training and acquiring new 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.