Youthreach is a Department of Education programme for young people who left school early. Youthreach provides an alternative education environment, helping you to reach your potential.
Youthreach empowers young people to re-engage in learning.
Youthreach aims to provide early school leavers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate fully in society and progress in further education, training and employment. There are twelve Youthreach Centres throughout Cork City and County.
Youthreach Ireland - The National Picture
What do students think of Youthreach?
Why should I join Youthreach?
- Start Now – continuous enrolment
- Free courses, materials and activities
- Achieve a qualification (QQI Awards, Levels 3 & 4)
- Get Training Allowance
- Earn while you learn
- Small Class Numbers
- Help to succeed
- Learn at your own pace
- Learn new life skills
- Make new friends
- Learn together in a team
- Improve your confidence
- Access to counselling
- Work Experience
- Support with applying to Further Education, Training or Employment
- Who can attend Youthreach
Who can attend Youthreach?
Young people:
- Aged between 16-20 years old
- Who left school early, without qualifications
- Who want an education
- Aged 15 years old (referral required from school, EWO, Túsla etc.)
What can I study at Youthreach?
There are 12 Youthreach Centres throughout Cork City and County, offering a range of subjects such as:
- Academic Subjects – Maths, Communications, I.T., Human Biology
- Practical Subjects – Art, Home Economics, Woodwork, PE
- Life Skills – SPHE, Team Working, Personal Development, Health Related Fitness
- Career Planning – Work Experience, Career Preparation
- Extra-Curricular – Gym, Soccer, Sports, Music, Watersports
- Certification – QQI Awards, Level 3 & 4, ICDL
- Progression – Further Education, Training or Employment
Check with your local Youthreach centre to see what is available.
You can receive a QQI award at Level 3 or Level 4.
How long are the courses?
- Two years.
- The course is full-time.
- You can join at any time during the year.
- There is a summer programme of activities and Work Experience.
What can I do after Youthreach?
The qualifications offered in Youthreach are recognised by employers, colleges and Universities.
How do I apply to Youthreach?
Call or email your local centre to make an appointment.
Centre Locations
Location Map for Schools/Colleges/Centres under the remit of Cork ETB
Click the map to view an interactive google map of locations under the remit of Cork Education & Training Board. You can zoom in/out to see multiple locations in a specific area.
Approach
Whilst the curriculum is subject to continuous review, change and development, the Youthreach approach is consistent throughout the programme duration. This approach utilises multiple methodologies and adopts best practice from other disciplines such as Youth work/informal education, Vocational Training, Adult Education and programmes such as Restorative Practice.
The Youthreach approach:
- Is learner centered starting from where the learner is at.
- Builds on acquired skills, experiences and knowledge.
- Encourages independent learning and opportunities for skills building.
- Encourages responsibility for self and awareness of others.
- Uses a flexible approach.
- Is enjoyable & experiential; utilizing practical real life experiences and self-reflection.
- Emphasizes relationship building and the establishment of trust.
- Structures both short term and long term goals.
- Carries and communicates high expectations.
- Encourages independent learning.
- Works with the learner (as opposed to at or on the learner).
- Operates to the highest ethical professional moral and legal standards.
Youthreach Contact Details:
Contact: (087) 2186710 or email youthreach@fet.corketb.ie
