Clients access FÁS training programmes through FÁS Employment Services offices and following a guidance interview with an Employment Services Officer. People who are in receipt of the Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) receive a FÁS training allowance equivalent to the full rate payable under JA.
FÁS has considerably expanded its range of training programmes and the number of places available through the introduction of a number of short-term courses and an increased provision of online, blended and evening programmes. Unemployed people from the following cohorts are accorded priority access:
People with low skills or education levels, i.e. unemployed people who do not have a Leaving Certificate qualification or equivalent;
People who are on the Live Register for long periods (over one year) — this includes people who are in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit for one year or longer;
People who are under 35 years of age, with at least 30% of training places reserved for those aged under 25 years;
People who were previously employed in sectors that have been most affected by restructuring and where recovery to near previous levels is not in prospect in the short to medium term (mainly construction, manufacturing and wholesale/retail trade).