Grants, Funding and Programmes

Grants, Funding & Programmes

Student Grant (SUSI)

This means test student grant is available to students who are progressing to a full-time QQI Level 5/6 Award or equivalent, and who have not previously studied an award at similar or higher level on the National Framework of Qualifications. The amount of the grant depends on family income and on the distance a student travels from their place of residence to the college. Student Grant applications can be made online only to Student Universal Support Ireland {SUSI) through www.susi.ie. Applications can be made from April and should be made before starting a course. Further information is available on www.studentfinance.ie or www.citizensinformation.ie

Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)

The BTEA is an allowance from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection {DEASP) to allow eligible applicants to participate in education while remaining on a Social Welfare payment. Eligible applicants are paid BTEA instead of their Jobseekers or other allowance or benefit - more information is available on www.welfare.ie.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

The VTOS scheme provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. Applicants must be aged over 21 years of age and in receipt of Social Welfare payment for at least 156 days before commencement of course. VTOS is aimed in particular at unemployed people who are early school leavers. Successful applicants can receive a VTOS payment for the duration of their course instead of their social welfare payment. They may be able to avail of additional supports including childcare support and small meal and travel allowances. Books and course materials may also be provided.

Back To Education Initiative (BTEI)

BTEI courses are provided to people aged 16+ who have left full-time education and meet at least one of the following criteria: • Have less than upper second level education {Leaving Certificate) • Have a medical card, or are the dependent of a medical card holder • Are in receipt of a social welfare payment (e.g. Jobseeker Allowance/ Benefit, one Parent

Family Payment, Cares Allowance, Disability Allowance, etc.).

Post Leaving Certificate (PLC)

PLC Programmes are full-time courses open to students who have just completed the Leaving Certificate, or any person wishing to return to Further Education. They offer a mixture of ‘hands-on’ practical work, academic subjects and work experience, and are designed as a step towards skilled employment or progression to third level. Successful students may apply to third level programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities through the Higher Education Links Scheme. There may be additional costs on some courses for materials, uniforms, etc. Learners may be eligible to apply for the SUSI grant or the Back to Education Allowance. All fees must be paid before commencement of the programme.

Youthreach Programme

Youthreach programmes give unemployed young people between the ages of 15 and 20, who left school early, an opportunity to get recognised qualifications and the possibility to create a viable career path for themselves. Youthreach offers a flexible and dynamic programme of integrated general education and work experience. Students set personal and educational goals that increase their self-esteem, skills and knowledge base. A training allowance related to the age of students is paid weekly, subject to attendance. A travel allowance is paid where applicable. There are a variety of subjects on offer in all the Centres. Guidance Counselling is also available to all students. Qualifications QQI Levels 3 & 4 Length of Programme 1-3 years Frequency Monday to Thursday (8.30am - 4pm) and Friday (8.30am - 1.30pm)

National Childcare Scheme (NCS)

NCS is a new scheme that provides financial support to help parents to meet the costs of childcare. Whether you are on a full time or part time course, you may apply for this scheme. The subsidies are paid directly to your approved childcare provider. Visit www.ncs.gov.ie for more information or contact the Support Centre on (01) 9068530.

Centre Manager: Helen Kavanagh Mountrath Road, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois 057 8731127 • abbeyleixfet@loetb.ie