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Home > Our Services > Community Development > LAIT > Education and Training Supports

Education and Training Supports

Please note that you will need a WORK PERMIT, also called the Labour Market Access Permission, to access some Education courses. 

English Language Classes

You can access English language classes in your area with the following:

LWETB ESOL

If you want more information about LWETB English classes (all levels), check out https://lwetbfet.ie/

To apply directly for classes www.fetchcourses.ie

Most classes offer certification and are delivered across centres in Co. Westmeath. 

Westmeath Community Development 

Provide free English lessons and other supports in relation to employability, inclusion and learning. Informational flyer with contact details here: Employability Supports Westmeath Community Development

Further information: Westmeath Community Development

 

Other English Language Training supports

  • Fáilte Isteach: Fáilte Isteach is a community based conversational English class. Classes are free and are an informal space to practice and improve your language, to meet new people living in your community.
    Access classes here: Fáilte Isteach class location finder
  • RegPath: Provide free online clinical English language training support people to achieve the English language proficiency requirements for the relevant medical professional regulators.
    Further information on specific eligibility criteria and application process here: RegPath

  • Transparent Language Online Learn a language with self-guided courses. whether you're just starting out with the alphabet and basics or advancing into conversational skills. Access classes here:  Transparent Language Online

 

Other Training supports

Access may be limited to courses for those without work permits.

  • LWETB Youthreach- is a Department of Education and Skills official education, training and work experience programme for early school leavers aged 15 – 20. It offers young people the opportunity to identify options within adult life, and provides them with opportunities to acquire certification. As it operates on a full-time, year-round basis, Youthreach has a continuous intake policy. Further Information: https://www.lwetb.ie/youthreach-3/   
  • Athlone Community Training Centre uses a learner-centred approach to meet the needs of early school leavers. The Centre offers pathways for learners to achieve nationally and internationally recognized major awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (QQI levels 3- equivalent to the Junior Certificate and 4-equivalent to a pass Leaving Certificate) through a range of modules leading to minor awards. Therefore, if you are an early school leaver, they can provide you with a Leaving Certificate equivalent qualification along with 18 months of employment-focused training. Further Information: https://www.athlonectc.ie/
  • SaorEd: Free online education for International Protection Applicants, refugees, and migrants in Ireland. Access courses here: SaorEd
  • National Adult Literacy Agency -Learn for free- English, Maths, Computers and more. Access courses here: NALA 
  • 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. Access courses here: Springboard
  • Citizens Information Board is the statutory body which supports the provision of information, advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and social services.
    For further information: Citizens information: Education and Training
  • Irish Refugee Council (IRC) Education Support programme is for adults in the international protection process and refugees interested in Further Education and Higher Education.
    Further Information: Irish Refugee Council (IRC) Education Support
  • Dr Stephens Resource Centre in Athlone affords people the opportunity to come forward in a safe, confidential and supportive environment to further their training and gain workplace skills, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Access courses here: Dr Stevens Resource Centre 
  • Generation Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre. It is a dual system, a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training. Further information here: Apprenticeship Ireland 

 

Financial supports for Education 

  • The Training Support Grant (Department of Social Protection) provides access to short term training/education that can support individual jobseekers to access work opportunities. The grant can be provided when an Employment Personal Adviser or Job Coach has identified an immediate skills gap or related intervention, such as obtaining certification, that is preventing a jobseeker commencing a job offer. Training can be approved up to a maximum amount of €1000 per annum.
    Further information: Training Support Grant

  • The JRS Ireland Education Fund seeks to address barriers to education for asylum seekers, by facilitating access to further education and vocational training through grants and sponsorship.

    Further Information: JRS Ireland Education Fund

  • SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. You must be an Irish, EU, EEA, UK or Swiss National, or have specific leave to remain in the State as granted by the Department of Justice. You must also be ordinarily resident in Ireland, the EU, EEA, UK or Switzerland for three of the last five years.
    For further information see: Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
  • International Protection Student Scheme: The International Protection Student Scheme (for FE/HE Students) is also administered by Susi and provides financial grants for students who have been continuously resident in the State for a continuous period of 3 years or more and is a protection applicant or a person at leave to remain stage for a continuous period of 3 years or more as at the day before the date of commencement of the course and who has not had a deportation order issued against them.
    Further information here: International protection student Scheme
  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship provides tuition fee waivers to first-time higher education applicants who are considered to be a Refugee, or people who have applied for International Protection Applicant or Permission to Remain. The Scholarship only applies for Undergraduate Programmes and Mature Student Access Certificate.
    For further information see: The University of Sanctuary Scholarship
  • The 1916 Bursary is a financial award to encourage the participation and success of students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education.
    For further information see: The 1916 Bursary
  • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted student ID in the world so you will get access to the biggest network of global student benefits around. ISIC Card holders are entitled to student discounts in all stores that offer student discounts.
    Further information: International Student Identity Card
  • Young Adult and Student Card: You can get 50% off adult public transport fares with the Young Adult or Student Leap Card. The Young Adult Leap Card is available for all 19 to 25 year olds.
    The Student Leap Card is only available for students in full time education who are either 16 -18 years of age or 26 years and above.
    Further information: Leap Card‌

 

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