What Is Youthreach?
Youthreach is a programme of education and training and work experience for early school leavers provided in an out of school setting. Youthreach aims to develop the core skills needed for further learning and to prepare young people to progress to further education/training or to employment
Who is Youthreach For?
You can apply for Youthreach if you:
Are aged between 15 and 21.
Have left school early with either no qualifications or minimal qualifications (e.g. have left school without sitting the Junior Cert or have achieved less than 5 grade D’s in the Junior Certificate examinations) and are at least 6 months out of school.
What is the programme?
A foundation phase, normally a year, develops the skills essential for further learning – communications, maths, life skills, along with a choice of vocational options such as welding and engineering, building construction, car mechanics, computers, woodwork, sport and recreation and art and crafts.
A progression phase after that, which allows for further development through education, training and work experience options. These can be provided in the centre through FAS, CERT, linked work experience and customised training or through a return to school. National certification at foundation level has been developed by the Further Education & Training Awards Council (FETAC). Participants also have an opportunity to sit the Junior Cert and Applied Leaving Cert.
Guidance support and counselling are also provided
Duration of Course
The course normally commences in September and finishes in July and participants can spend up to two years on the course
Other Benefits of Youth Reach:
- A second chance to gain education and training
- A chance to develop new skills
- A chance to gain national certification and progress to further education and training
- Course is free of charge and participants receive a training allowance.
Who to Contact
Frank Brady
Phone: 094 9542103/9541117
Fax: 094 9542101
email: youthreachballinrobe@eircom.net
Links:
National Youth Reach website.
National Association of Youth Reach Co-ordinators.
County Mayo VEC.