What is Youthreach?

Youthreach is a programme of education, training and work experience for early school leavers provided in an out-of school setting. (To find out more about Youthreach nationally, please click here).

Youthreach is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as part of the ESF Programme for Employability Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

What are the aims of Youthreach?

Youthreach aims to give young people:

  • A second chance to gain education and training
  • A chance to develop new skills
  • A chance to gain national certification and to progress to further education or training
  • A chance to find employment

Who is it for?

You can apply to join Youthreach if you are:

  • Aged between 16 and 21
  • Have left school early with either no qualifications or minimal qualifications
  • Six months out of school

What will Youthreach cost me?

Courses are provided free of charge and a weekly training allowance is paid. Meal and travel allowances are also paid.

What is the programme?

A foundation phase, normally a year, develops the skills essential for further learning.

QQI Level 3

  • Skills Based
  • Literacy and Numeracy Skills/Support
  • Art, Catering, Engineering Focus
  • Social and Personal Development

Subjects covered

  • Communications
  • Maths
  • Life skills
  • Catering
  • Hairdressing
  • Computers
  • Woodwork
  • Photography
  • Video
  • Sports
  • Art and Crafts

A progression phase after that, which allows for further development through education, training and work experience options. These are Leaving Certificate Applied and Further Education and Training Awards Council.

QQI Level 4

  • Represents a progression from Level 3 and is more challenging
  • Literacy and Numeracy Skills Development and Support
  • Art and Engineering Focus
  • Task/Project Base

Subjects Covered

  • Catering
  • Communications
  • Fast Food catering
  • Information Technology Skills
  • Maths
  • Work Experience
  • Electronics
  • Art
  • Engineering
  • Horticulture

Leaving Certificate Applied

  • 2 Year Whole-Time Programme
  • 90% Attendance necessary
  • Challenging Programme requiring commitment
  • QQI / Junior Cert Level preferable at entry but not essential

Subjects Covered

  • Vocational Preparation – this includes 8 weeks work experience over the two years
  • English and Communications
  • Information Technology
  • Maths
  • Leisure and Recreation
  • Social Education
  • Art
  • Irish
  • 1 Modern Language (for example either German or French)
  • Hotel, Catering and Tourism
  • Craft and design, Office Administration and Customer Care and Engineering (These change from year to year)

To visit the website of the National Association of Youthreach Co-ordinators, please click on the logo below: