Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
204. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of places approved nationwide for the youth employment support scheme; the number of participants on the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27818/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) was introduced on 1st October 2018 and has been open to applications since that date.
YESS is targeted at young jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. The scheme aims to provide jobseekers with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. The scheme will provide a supportive structure for participants, including case worker support for both placement hosts and jobseekers.
Since the scheme's inception, a total of 872 people have commenced a placement, while there are currently 109 participants on the YESS. To date, a total of 739 employers have provided YESS placements.
The type of work experience undertaken by participants involves roles across a number of different sectors including - community and voluntary, hospitality and food, ICT and telecoms, manufacturing, retail, sales and marketing, science and healthcare and construction.
As the economy reopens and activation services to jobseekers increase it is planned to increase the use of work placement programmes to provide valuable work experience and training to people who have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. As part of the July Stimulus package a new work placement programme was announced. Officials in my department are currently working on the details of this programme.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
