FÁS Training

Information

If you have lost your job and you wish to update your skills or change your career, there is a wide range of FÁS courses available to assist you. The courses vary in length 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.

FÁS training courses are free and you will be paid a training allowance for the duration of your course. If you are attending a vocational training course through FÁS, you may be able to avail of a grant to assist with childcare costs.

FÁS Community Training Centres

If you are between the ages of 16 and 21 years and have left school early without any formal qualifications, 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.

FÁS Traineeship programme

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. 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. When you complete your course you will receive a FETAC award at either Certificate or Advanced Certificate level.

Apprenticeship

If you have completed your secondary school education, you may be interested in taking part in a statutory apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are available in trades such as engineering, construction, motor, electrical, printing and furniture. Your apprenticeship will alternate between off-the-job training and on-the-job training at your employer's workplace. The skills you develop will be assessed and if you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded a FETAC Advanced Certificate.

FÁS Work Placement and Short Time Working Training

Since June 2009 there are 2 new FÁS programmes: Work Placement and Short Time Training Working. The Work Placement Programme provides 9 months’ work experience for graduates and other unemployed people. If you have been getting a social welfare payment for at least 3 months you may be able to keep it, subject to approval by the Department of Social Protection. The Short Time Working Training Programme provides 2 days' training a week for people who are on systematic short-time working.

Where to apply

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 view a list of FÁS training courses online.