FÁS

FÁS provide flexible learning opportunities for the business community and individuals to improve their competence in the face of new demands in the workplace. They offer a wide range of technical, business and management training courses.

FÁS Training Courses

Content/Type:

FÁS provide a number of day and evening course for people who want to start their own business and/or gain extra qualifications and skills for the workplace.

Contact:

Day Courses: Your local FÁS Office or Garrycastle Training Centre, Tel: 090-6474481/6424200
Evening Courses: Garrycastle Training Centre, Bernie Geraghty/Maureen Bannon 090-6474481/6424269

Other FÁS Schemes

FÁS Work Place: If you are six months unemployed you have an opportunity to participate in seven weeks work experience in an occupation of your choice (subject to availability). Your weekly unemployment payments continue and a bonus payment may be available. Job Placement is also available. Please contact your local FÁS office for further details on the above.

Community Employment Scheme:

If you are over 25 and unemployed for at least one year you are eligible to join this scheme. Training is provided for 20 hours per week and you may work to supplement your income on your time off. Allowances for fuel, rent and medical card are retainable.

Social Economy Scheme:

If you are over 35 and unemployed for at least three years you are eligible for this scheme. It is possible to gain employment for up to three years on a project in the local community.

Job Initiative Scheme:

If you are over 35 and unemployed for at least five years you are eligible to join this scheme. It is designed to provide you with three years full-time employment.

Athlone Community Taskforce (ACT):

ACT aims to generate employment in the Athlone area. Working in partnership with other organisations e.g. Westmeath VEC and FÁS, it aims to counter disadvantage in the community and is continuously involved in the planning, implementing and evaluating of various community development projects especially those who have a life long learning element. *Example of such projects are;*

Training for Employment

Content/Type:

A course aimed at providing the participants the skills necessary to access further education, training and employment

Contact:

Anne Fallon
Training for Employment,
O'Connell Street,
Athlone.
Tel: 090-6494806

The Open Door Men's Centre

Content/Type:

This is a drop-in centre where men can meet to chat and discuss any aspect of their lives. It is also possible to enrol on an education and training programme. Subjects include; computers, gardening, joinery, DIY. Communications, maths, personal development and leisure pursuits are also available.

Contact:

Willie Mullin,
The Open Door Men's Project,
Ball Alley Lane,
Athlone.
Tel: 090-6498903