There are lots of ways to continue your education and further your practical training in Ireland, outside of the formal school and college system.

If you are employed

If you are employed the FÁS One Step Up concept aims to encourage employee training and promotes lifelong learning in the workplace. There are two funds which subsidise employee training: the Competency Development Programme and the Workplace Basic Education Fund which supports the Skills for Work programmes. You can contact your local FÁS office for a list of courses available and further details about One Step Up.

If you are unemployed

If you are unemployed or a first time job-seeker or if you are looking to change direction in your career, you can choose from a large number of education and training programmes funded by FÁS, the vocational educational committees (VECs), and other Government de partments and agencies. These offer a wide range of full- time and part- time options so you can choose the one that best suits your circumstances.

Eligibility conditions and training allowances vary widely from courses to course, so you should check the details of each course carefully.

In addition to the courses listed below, you may also be able to access education and training if you are involved in a youth group, a community group or some other form of voluntary activity. Ask the co-ordinator of the group in which you are active for information regarding education and training opportunities within that organisation.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme(VTOS): offers you an opportunity to return to full- time education if you are an unemployed adult or in receipt of certain benefits. One aim of the scheme is to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability. Another aim is to prepare people to go to paid employment or to further opportunities leading to paid employment.

FÁS training courses offer you an opportunity to develop or upgrade your skills in the commercial and industrial sectors if you are unemployed or redundant. You can search online for FÁS training courses on the FÁS website.

FÁS traineeships offer you a mixture of on-the-job training with an employer and off-the job training in a FÁS Training Centre if you are either a first time job seeker or unemployed.

Youthreach: If you are between 15 and 20 years of age and have left school without any formal qualifications, the Youthreach programme will provide you with opportunities for basic education, personal development, vocational training and work experience.

Other Government agencies: State agencies such as Fáilte Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Teagasc, Coillte and the Crafts Council of Ireland offer you a range of specialist courses in their specific areas of work.

FIT (Fastrack to IT) : This scheme provides targeted information technology training for unemployed people in the Dublin area. Courses include office administration, web design and programming, broadband communications and PC maintenance. You can find out more about the training courses on the FIT website.

Senior Traveller Training Centres: If you are a member of the Traveller community and are aged over 15, you can gain practical skills and improve your literacy, numeracy and other skills at one of the 29 Senior Traveller Training Centres throughout Ireland, which are run by the De partment of Education and Science through the VECs. The centres aim to provide Travellers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to successfully make the transition to work and adult life, and to participate fully in their communities. The centres also offer educational programmes which are accredited by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC).

De partment of Justice Workshops: If you are coming to education and training from the prison system or as an alternative to the prison system, you may find a suitable course under this scheme operated by the De partment of Justice.

Night classes: Self-funded educational opportunities are available to you through a range of night courses organised by your local VEC, FÁS training centres and many of the colleges and universities throughout the country.

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