Apprenticeship is a work based structured education and training programme which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre.

An apprenticeship begins with a contract of employment with an approved employer.

Bridging and Foundation courses help prepare learners to be ready for labour market-led courses or entry level employment. These courses can be short or long duration. They are generally accredited at levels 3 and 4 on the NFQ. These courses are aimed at individuals who have not been working for at least a year or more, or who wish to return to employment or education and training after a long period outside of work.

CTCs are independent community-based organisations, which provide training and education for early school leavers, primarily aged between 16 and 21. Examples of programmes offered include employability skills, personal and social employment skills, and science skills. All programmes offer personal and social skills development through modules such as communications, personal effectiveness, teamwork, career planning and literacy and numeracy support which are integrated with the vocational training modules. Courses are generally one year in duration and are full-time and lead to major awards on the NFQ at levels 3 and 4.

The LTI is a project-based training and work experience programme carried out in the local community run by local community groups. The programme is designed for people who are unemployed, primarily those aged 18 – 35 years who are having trouble gaining entry to the labour market. LTIs support many organisations engaged in a wide range of initiatives including genealogy, environmental, heritage, tourism, theatre, sports, and coaching. Some projects are targeted at specific groups in society. Training on Local Training Initiatives leads to accreditation at levels on the NFQ at levels 3, 4 and 5. Courses are full time and delivered all year round.

PLCs are full-time and last for one to two years. They offer a mixture of practical work, academic work, and work experience. They are designed as a step towards skilled employment and, as such, they are closely linked to industry and its needs. Post Leaving Certificate courses adopt an integrated approach, focusing on technical knowledge, core skills and work experience. Courses are delivered in a wide range of subjects, such as business studies, childcare, community care, computing and technology, e-commerce, horticulture, multimedia production, sport and leisure and tourism. The courses generally lead to major awards at NFQ Levels 5 and 6

Specific Skills Training courses typically take over six months full-time to complete and are designed to meet the needs of industry across a range of sectors leading to accreditation at levels 4-6 on the NFQ or certification from a United Kingdom or Industry accrediting body. Courses are full-time and all-year round. Examples of courses include Computer Applications and Office Skills, Retail Skills Health and Beauty, Business Administration, IT Security Management, Business Process Improvement, Manual and Computerised Payroll and Book-keeping, Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations.

STPs deliver a range of flexible training programmes for people with disabilities. Courses are generally one to two years in duration, are delivered all year round and lead to accreditation at levels 1-6 on the NFQ. Course examples include ICT and vocational multi-skills. Specialist vocational training can provide a number of enhanced services for its learners including additional training duration; adapted equipment; transport arrangements; enhanced programme content which may be required for a person with a disability to achieve their potential. An enhanced trainer-learner ratio is available on these programmes.

Traineeships typically take from 4-18 months full-time to complete. They provide occupation-specific training and integrate formal classroom training and workplace coaching with a host employer. Courses are full time and all year round to facilitate those entering the labour market for the first time and persons wishing to up-date or acquire new skills. All programmes lead to accreditation at levels 4-6 on the NFQ or certification from a recognised external accredited body. Courses include Accountancy, Beauty Therapist, Irish Traditional Musician, Software Developer and Visual Effects.

The VTOS Scheme provides a range of courses to help people who are unemployed re-enter the workforce. The courses are full-time and are usually delivered over two academic years on a full-time basis of 30 hours per week. The courses aim to help participants to improve their level of education, gain certification, develop their skills and prepare for employment, self-employment and further education and training. Some examples include ICT, Art and Design, Business Administration, Childcare and Digital Media. The courses lead to a range of awards across NFQ levels.

Youthreach is a full-time programme, usually over two years, for young people, aged 15 to 20, who left school early and are not working. It leads to awards typically at levels 3 and 4 on the NFQ. Learners are supported in setting individual learning plans aimed at increasing their self-esteem, skills and knowledge and ability to get a job.

Become a learner at any age or stage of your life. The Adult Education Service (AES) provides an open, accessible, welcoming environment where you will find programmes that meet your individual needs. Programmes are provided within City of Dublin ETB centres and in community settings that have been developed in cooperation with a wide range of partners.

Adult Literacy programmes are provided to people inside and outside of the labour force who want to improve their communication skills in the areas of reading, writing, and numeracy and information technology. Programmes are typically delivered for 2-4 hours per week during the academic year.

The BTEI provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. It aims to give participants an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work, and other responsibilities. Programmes are offered in partnership with agencies throughout the country on a flexible part-time basis. Classes are offered throughout the year in the morning, afternoons, evenings, or weekends. Courses lead to a range of accreditation at levels 1-6 on the NFQ.

Community Education works with adults who wish to return to or continue their education, offering a learner-centred approach involving personal supports and tuition leading to positive personal, social, and economic outcomes. It focusses its work on people who have not been in employment or education for a long-time and is generally developed in local community projects and centres. Community Education offers a diversity of courses including courses leading to accreditation from Level 3 – 8 on the NFQ, informal and non-formal courses which are not accredited, short introductory courses, full time yearlong programmes and courses in everything from life skills to professional qualifications. Community Education is delivered all over Ireland by a range of providers including independently managed not for profit groups and statutory organisations. It takes place in a wide variety of community projects, resource centres, voluntary organisations, etc.

eCollege is the national online learning service for further education and training. eCollege provides a range of high quality interactive online learning courses with a focus on IT and Business areas.

New community members in Ireland come from a wide range of social, cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds. ESOL classes are provided across the Dublin to meet the day-to-day social, cultural, and work-related language needs of new community members. Priority is given to unemployed migrants, asylum seekers and refugees with limited or no English language skills.

ESOL Literacy classes are also provided to assist people with no formal education in their home country or who don’t have basic literacy skills. These classes can be provided on either 1:1 or small group basis. Please note that all applicants will be required to complete an initial assessment before starting class. The aim of this initial assessment is to make sure people are provided with classes at the correct level.

Part-time evening courses with a mix of hobby and upskilling courses some of which lead to certification. Courses are delivered in further education colleges and second level schools generally on weekday evenings between the hours of 6 pm – 10 pm. Course fees apply.

Part-time evening courses held in either Finglas or Ballyfermot Training Centre. Typically, 30 hours duration over 10 weeks provide short up-skilling modules for both unemployed and employed persons. Examples of courses include Welding TIG, Interior Design, ECDL, CAD, Door Security, Supervisory Management, and Start Your Own Business. Courses generally lead to accreditation at levels 4-6 on the NFQ or certification from a recognised Industry accrediting body.

City of Dublin ETB is excited to help bring this training opportunity to Ireland.  Google has teamed up with City of Dublin ETB to provide free Google Certificate courses in:

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

IT support is all about troubleshooting and problem solving and providing great customer service along the way. This includes setting up computers for users within an organization, overseeing computer systems, and debugging whenever a problem arises. A job in IT can mean in-person or remote help desk work in a range of organizations across many different industries. Profile: A person who has good organisational skills, good communication skills, strong customer service ethos and enjoys problem solving

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Those interested in a career as a data analyst can do a course on navigating the data lifecycle using tools and platforms to process, analyse, visualise, and gain insights from data. Profile: A person who enjoys collection, transformation and organisation of data in order to draw conclusions, make predictions, and drive informed decision making.

Google Project Management Professional Certificate

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. Project managers ensure projects within an organization are managed and completed with maximum value and benefits realized. Profile: Project managers are natural problem-solvers. They set the plan and guide teammates, and manage changes, risks, and stakeholders.

Google UX Design Professional Certificate

User experience (UX) designers focus on the experience that users have while using products like websites, apps, and physical objects. UX designers make those everyday interactions useful, enjoyable, and accessible. The role of an entry-level UX designer might include coming up with ideas to address user problems, conducting research with users, and designing wireframes, mock-ups, and prototypes. Profile: If you enjoy talking to and empathizing with people, drawing, thinking creatively, or paying attention to details, a job as a UX designer might be a good fit for you!

Explore what the programmes have to offer at grow.google/certificates. Learn more about how the Google Career Certificates work to put you on the path to high-growth jobs.

Training for Employment Project provides education and training for adult male offenders leaving custody and offenders on Probation Service supervision. The programme offers QQI certification (at Major award Levels 3 & 4) in education and training. The service has a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration with the objective of helping people to return to employment.

Skills to Advance is a national initiative that provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change and to those currently employed in vulnerable sectors. Skills to Advance aims to equip employees with the skills they need to progress in their current role or to adapt to the changing job market. Working closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, Skills to Advance helps employers identify skills needs and invest in their workforce by providing subsidised education and training to staff.

Skills to Compete is an initiative to support those who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19, to re-enter the workforce. In support of the Programme for Government and the post-COVID recovery plan, the FET sector are prioritising the reskilling and retraining of those unable to return to their previous employment following the COVID19 crisis. Skills to Compete is a SOLAS initiative that will lead this reskilling and retraining response by combining and ramping-up three strands of FET provision, linked to tailored advice and support: Transversal skills development to help employability. Build the digital capabilities now required for almost every job. Specific Level 4-6 courses targeting growth sectors and occupations.