FÁS CE

The number of Community Groups and facilities in the area requiring assistance from the IRD Duhallow Community Employment Scheme is always on the rise. With the downturn in the economy, many Duhallow locals have lost their jobs and found themselves in a position which they may never have been in before in their lives. As many have held the same job for years, particularly in the manufacturing industry, the importance of C.E. in providing work experience and training have come to the fore. The aim of the C.E. is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and long term unemployed people by providing opportunities for them to engage in useful temporary work within their communities while they prepare to return to mainstream employment. The scheme aids participants regain their confidence in themselves and their ability to work. A secondary function of C.E. is to provide much needed resources for local villages and their facilities.

Training and retraining is vital for participants in these turbulent economic times. The IRD Duhallow C.E. Supervisor strives to identify the training needs of each participant and through the job centre, works towards the ultimate aim of the C.E. Scheme to place those who complete their C.E. term in employment or further training.

Training examples from past participants who have been on IRD Duhallow C.E. scheme include:

Forklift
Occupational First Aid
ECDL
Sewing
Childcare FETAC Level 5
Rigid Truck Driving lessons

in which they got their qualifications. Training costs are supported through the IRD Duhallow FÁS CE Scheme training budget.

The eligibility for coming onto the FAS C.E. Scheme is that you must be receiving a Social Welfare payment from one of the following:
- Invalidity Pension
- Disability Benefit
- Lone Parents
- Job Seekers Allowance

You must be also over 25 years old and unemployed for more than 12 months, however there are exceptions where you could come on earlier, to find this out contact your local FAS office or click on FAS website link below:

http://www.fas.ie/

IRD Duhallow FÁS CE Scheme will be recruiting new participants in the coming months. If you are receiving Social Welfare Payment and over 25 years old, unemployed 12 months or more or on a disability payment 6 months or more you may be eligible to apply for future vacancies in the FÁS CE Scheme. If you match the above criteria please send your CV to Paddy O'Connor or alternatively contact him at 029-60633.