Youthreach: a paid second chance for early school leavers

You can finish a Junior Cert or QQI award there and move on to the Leaving Cert Applied or an apprenticeship. There's travel money if you live 5km or more away, and sometimes free childcare and meals.

What it offers

Basic education, personal development, vocational training and work experience, usually full-time, 9am to 4.30pm, for 1 to 2 years. You finish with a QQI Foundation award or Junior Cert and can progress to the Leaving Cert Applied, a higher QQI award or an apprenticeship.

The money

"Courses are free. Trainees aged over 16 get a weekly allowance." "16 - 17 years €45 18 years and over €254 (with some exceptions)". "You will get a travel allowance if you have to travel 5 km or more to the centre."

"You can take up part-time work while on Youthreach without it affecting your training allowance." "The 3 month disqualification rule which applies to many students does not apply to Youthreach participants." So you can claim a jobseeker's payment straight after.

Who can join

"If you apply for Youthreach provided by your local ETB, you should be between 15 and 20 years of age." You should be unemployed and have left school early without sitting the Leaving Cert; lone parents can be exceptions.

"If you apply for Youthreach provided by your local Community Training Centre , you should be between 16 and 21 years of age." Disadvantaged young people up to 25 may be accepted.

How to join

"Youthreach courses are held year-round and you can apply to join a course at any time." Contact your local ETB, Community Training Centre or Intreo office. Choose a centre by the course it offers, not just the nearest.

Common questions

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