From 2 June 2009 if you have been getting Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) for at least 6 months or if you are on short-time working you may be eligible for a new FAS activation programme.
The FÁS Work Placement Programme will provide 6 months’ work experience for 2,000 unemployed people who have been getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for the last 6 months.
There are 2 streams in this programme , in Stream 1 there are 1,000 places for graduates and in Stream 2 there are 1,000 places for unemployed people, with 250 of these places reserved for those 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 are for 6 months and while you are on this Programme you will continue to get your social welfare payment. Placements will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
To be eligible for Stream 1 of the Work Placement Programme you must:
* Be unemployed and getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 6 months
* Have graduated before 2009
* Have been awarded a qualification at level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications
To be eligible for Stream 2 of the Work Placement Programme you must be unemployed and getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for at least 6 months.
If you are interested in participating in one of these programmes you may apply to your local FÁS office from 2 June 2009. FÁS will refer you to an employer who is registered as a provider with the Work Placement Programme. The employer may interview you as a potential participant in the Programme.
The Short Time Working Training Programme will provide 2 days training a week for people who are on systematic short-time working. Both of these programmes are administered by FÁS
Some Changes to the Work Placement Scheme from November 2009