Education and Training Supports
This page tells you about education and training supports.
Education and Training Supports
Intreo has a number of ways to support you to upskill or return to education. This should enhance your job prospects and help you to re-enter the workplace.
It may be possible to keep some income supports while you are on an education or training course. This depends on the type of course, the length of course and how long you have been getting a qualifying social welfare payment.
To find out more about the department’s financial supports to access training or education visit our dedicated webpage:
Gov.ie – Get financial supports for training or education
Back to Education Allowance for Full-Time Education
If you are getting certain social welfare payments, you may be eligible to take part in Further or Higher level full-time education and receive a weekly Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) payment.
Part-Time Education Option
The Part-Time Education Option (PTEO) allows you to keep your Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Pay Related Benefit while you attend a part-time day, evening, distance or online education or training course.
Part-time courses provided such as those from Education and Training Boards (ETBs), Springboard+, Skillnet’s Skills Connect course and others are available through this option.
Education, Training and Development Option
The Education, Training and Development Option (ET&D) allows you to keep your jobseekers payment while taking part in a shorter duration course. These include personal development courses, basic education, such as literacy classes, general training courses and training for specific job skills.
Further resources on Education and Training
Adult Literacy Services
If you would like to improve your reading, writing, spelling or maths skills, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) has information on free courses nationwide. You can learn in your local ETB, or over the phone or online with NALA.
Freephone 1800 20 20 65 for more information, or visit www.nala.ie
Further Education & Training Course Hub (FETCH)
Fetchcourses.ie provides information about further education and training courses throughout the country such as Post-Leaving Cert courses, traineeships, back to education initiatives and many more. The courses are offered by a network of further education and training providers across the state, and online through SOLAS eCollege.
Website: fetchcourses.ie
Skills Connect – Skillnet Ireland
Skills Connect is designed in partnership with enterprise to enhance cross-sector employability and support people who have lost their jobs. It offers upskilling and training solutions, designed by enterprise, aimed at supporting re-entry into the workforce. Skills Connect offers free training programmes and enterprise-led job placements to unemployed individuals (see eligibility criteria here). This initiative offers individuals the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and access practical on-the-job training.
Website: skillnetireland.ie/skills-connect
Springboard+
Springboard+ is a Government initiative offering free and heavily subsidised courses at certificate, degree, and masters level, leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. These areas include ICT, engineering, green skills, manufacturing and construction, among many others. They are open to you whether you are employed, unemployed or returning to the workforce.
Website: springboardcourses.ie
Qualifax – the National Learners’ Database
Qualifax is Ireland’s national learners’ database. It provides comprehensive information on further and higher education and training courses to help users make informed choices about education, training and career paths.
Website: www.qualifax.ie
The Right Course
The online portal – gov.ie/therightcourse – is a one stop shop for businesses, employees or unemployed persons and outlines the third level options available to them. This can be a short part-time course, a course for an individual in employment or an option to return to third level.
Website: gov.ie/therightcourse