Back to College Initiative for Jobseekers
Labour Market Activation Fund 2010
On June 1st 2010, The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan T.D. announced that 6,589 training places will be made available to the unemployed under the Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010. A further 5,000 places were announced on August 5th, 2010.
Some €32million has been ring-fenced to provide the courses in a range of different locations targeting the less-skilled, and those formerly employed in declining sectors such as construction, retail and manufacturing, with particular emphasis on the under 35s and the long-term unemployed. Some 11,000 college places are provided under the scheme with three-quarters of the available places aimed at those with qualifications at or below Leaving Certificate level. Tuition fees will not be charged for these courses. Jobseekers who wish to apply for a place on one of these courses should contact the college directly
Eligibility
To be eligible for a place on these programmes jobseekers must be must be in receipt of an unemployment payment for a period of at least three consecutive months, or equivalent thereof. (Back to Education Allownce Scheme rules apply in the case of applicants pursuing full-time courses under the Back to Education Allowance Scheme.)
Any jobseeker who wishes to apply for one of these college places will need to supply a letter to the college confirming that they have been getting a jobseeker’s payment for at least 3 months. A form UP51 for this purpose is available at social welfare local offices.
View list of the courses available.