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If you are a small or medium sized business without the necessary resources at present to hire new employees then consideration should be given to participating in the FAS Work Placement Programme which was launched  in July 2009. The Work Placement Programme offers unemployed people, including unemployed graduates, the opportunity to obtain up to 9 months work experience while on a work placement with a company. While on the work placement participants retain their social welfare status and entitlements.

While the person is gaining valuable work experience they are also contributing to your business. You have the opportunity to see how they work and if you are in a position to recruit you will have had ample opportunity to determine if they are suitable.

Businesses in the Public, Private, Community and Voluntary Sector can apply to offer work placements. In your application you will be required to meet certain criteria and to make certain declarations. See Application Guidelines (PDF 42kb) for details.

How to Apply?

 To complete the Work Placement Programme online application form Download the PDF version (PDF 62kb).

Do I Pay Participants?

Payment of Participants is not a requirement of the programme. Some Participants may be in receipt of a social welfare payment therefore there are restrictions regarding any additional payments they may receive. Participants are required to notify the Department of Social Protection (DSP) of any payments received, and are advised to check that this does not adversely affect their social welfare status and entitlements. For Participants that are not in receipt of any social welfare payment this matter does not arise.

Are there any supports available if I offer a Participant a Job?

Yes. In June 2010 the government announced a new Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) exemption scheme. The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme means that when you employ additional eligible workers in 2010, you will not have to pay employer’s PRSI in respect of their employment for twelve months from the date. After completing three months on a work placement a Participant may qualify as an ‘eligible worker’ under this scheme.

Contact details for FÁS Offices

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