Information for School Leavers 2012 (pdf) - Citizens Information Board

However, if you are getting a higher social welfare payment
before starting the course, your training allowance will match
that higher rate.
Traineeship Programme
You can get training, experience and a qualification by taking
part in the FÁS Traineeship Programme. It involves both
learning in a training centre and working with an employer. It
usually lasts between 20 and 40 weeks but this depends on
the course. You can train in a range of different areas – check
with FÁS for details.
Statutory Apprenticeship Training
If you are interested in learning both on the job and in
the classroom, you can do an apprenticeship in a trade such
as engineering, construction, motor, electrical, furniture or
printing.
An apprenticeship generally lasts for four years, about 40
weeks of which will be in off-the-job training. During off-thejob
training, FÁS, or in some cases the employer, will
pay you a weekly training allowance. While you are training
on the job, your employer will pay you a recommended
apprenticeship wage.
Work Placement Programme
If you are unemployed, you can apply to take part in the
Work Placement Programme, which provides full-time work
experience for up to nine months. It is unpaid and voluntary
but if you have been getting a social welfare payment for
three months you may be able to continue getting it while
on the placement.
To apply, you must be registered with FÁS and let FÁS know
that you are interested in taking part. You can do this at
10 / Call: 0761 07 4000