The Youthreach programme is a national full-time programme for unemployed early school leavers generally between 16 and 20 years of age and is delivered in two settings, Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres. The Operational Guidelines on Youthreach provide for a year of 225 days, with learners being required to attend for 208 days. Individual learner plans are developed for each Youthreach learner. While the precise configuration of the programme in each location is decided locally having regard to the individual learner and community needs and potential, the programme includes general education, vocational training and work experience as well as a variety of complementary experiences that build confidence and broaden horizons.
The Youthreach programme is staffed by Co-ordinators, Resource Persons and teachers with nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment. They have specific, clearly defined job descriptions. which were designed very much with the programmes structure in mind. Template contracts of employment for Youthreach were negotiated and agreed by all stakeholders. Full-time Co-ordinator and Resource staff are expected to be present on the days that learners are in attendance.
Summer programmes are optional at the discretion of the individual ETB having regard to the needs of the learners, the estimated attendance over the period and the potential to liaise with local youth work services.
