Expand+Youthreach

Youthreach is a full-time programme, usually over two years, for young people, aged 15 to 20, who left school early and are not are not working. It leads to awards typically at levels 3 and 4 on the NFQ. Learners are supported in settin...

Hide-Youthreach

Youthreach is a full-time programme, usually over two years, for young people, aged 15 to 20, who left school early and are not are not working. It leads to awards typically at levels 3 and 4 on the NFQ. Learners are supported in setting individual learning plans aimed at increasing their self-esteem, skills and knowledge and ability to get a job.

This programme is co-funded by the Irish Government, the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

Expand+Education: Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 3 when accessing a Level 4 programme. Applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education although no formal qualifications are r...

Hide-Education: Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 3 when accessing a Level 4 programme. Applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education although no formal qualifications are required.

• Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

• Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work under direction with some ability to work on their own initiative.

Expand+Rates

Courses are free and trainees aged over 16 receive a weekly allowance. You will get a travel allowance if you have to travel 5 km or more to the centre. You may also qualify for free childcare and a meal allowance - you should check with the...

Hide-Rates

Courses are free and trainees aged over 16 receive a weekly allowance. You will get a travel allowance if you have to travel 5 km or more to the centre. You may also qualify for free childcare and a meal allowance - you should check with the centre.

From 26 March 2018, weekly allowances are as follows:

Trainee(s) maximum payment per week
16 - 17 years €40
18 years and over €198.00 (with some exceptions)

If you were getting a reduced age-related Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) before starting Youthreach any means that were deducted from your JA will also be deducted from your training allowance. This also applies to people getting a reduced age-related basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA).

If you are over 18 years of age and you are currently getting a social welfare payment of more than €198, you will continue to get the higher amount while you are on Youthreach as long as you are eligible.

Expand+The purpose of this award is to enable the learner to develop the relevant knowledge, skill and competence in a broad range of personal skills which enable personal development and active citizenship, and/or to progress to employment and/or further e...

Hide-The purpose of this award is to enable the learner to develop the relevant knowledge, skill and competence in a broad range of personal skills which enable personal development and active citizenship, and/or to progress to employment and/or further education or training.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this programme learners will have acquired a broad range of personal skills which will enable personal development and active citizenship, and/or to progress to employment and/or further education or training.