Q.  Having graduated from university a year ago, I am living on Jobseeker’s Allowance. Is there any scheme whereby I can get work experience and keep my payment?

20.07.09

The new Work Placement Programme being run by FÁS will provide six months’ work experience for 2,000 unemployed people who have been getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for the last six months. Stream 1 of the programme has 1,000 places for graduates and Stream 2 provides 1,000 places for other unemployed people, with 250 of these places being reserved for people aged under 25. Placements will be allocated to each FÁS region according to the number of people on the Live Register in that region.

The work placements will last for 6 months. While you are on the programme you will continue to get your Jobseeker’s Allowance. To be eligible for Stream 1 you must: Be unemployed and getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 6 months; Have graduated before 2009 and have been awarded a qualification at level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications. To be eligible for Stream 2 you must be unemployed and getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 6 months.

For Inishowen, you should apply to FÁS Letterkenny who will refer you to an employer who is registered as a provider with the programme. The employer may interview you as a potential participant. Placements will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
 

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

Return to > Citizens Information