Waterford

๐Ÿ’ผ

Employment Assistance

Programmes and support systems to help find jobs and improve employability.

Sections

1. Overview of Employment Assistance in Ireland

Employment assistance in Ireland is primarily provided through government programs, local organizations, and community initiatives. These services aim to help jobseekers find work, access training, and improve their employability. In Waterford, these services are accessible through local offices, online platforms, and community centers.

Key categories of employment assistance include:

  • Jobseekerโ€™s Allowance and Jobseekerโ€™s Benefit (financial support for unemployed individuals)
  • Intreo Services (government employment and income support services)
  • Training and Upskilling Programs (offered by SOLAS and other organizations)
  • Local Employment Services (LES) (personalized job-seeking support)
  • Community Employment (CE) Schemes (work experience and training opportunities)
  • Support for Immigrants and Non-Irish Nationals (tailored services for newcomers)

2. Key Employment Assistance Categories

A. Jobseekerโ€™s Allowance (JSA) and Jobseekerโ€™s Benefit (JSB)

These are financial supports for individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking work.

  • Jobseekerโ€™s Allowance (JSA):

    • Eligibility:
      • Aged 18 or older.
      • Habitually resident in Ireland.
      • Unemployed and capable of work.
      • Actively seeking employment.
      • Means-tested (your income and assets are assessed).
    • Payment Amounts (as of 2023):
      • โ‚ฌ220 per week for individuals aged 25 and older.
      • Reduced rates for younger individuals (e.g., โ‚ฌ129.70 for those under 25).
    • Application Procedure:
      • Apply online via MyWelfare.ie or in person at your local Intreo Centre.
      • Provide proof of identity, address, and financial details.

  • Jobseekerโ€™s Benefit (JSB):

    • Eligibility:
      • Based on your PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) contributions.
      • Must have paid sufficient PRSI contributions in the relevant tax year.
    • Payment Amounts:
      • Up to โ‚ฌ220 per week, depending on your PRSI record.
    • Application Procedure:
      • Similar to JSA, apply online or at an Intreo Centre.

B. Intreo Services

Intreo is the Irish governmentโ€™s one-stop shop for employment and income supports. The Intreo Centre in Waterford provides:

  • Job-matching services.

  • Career guidance and advice.

  • Access to training and education programs.

  • Financial supports like JSA and JSB.

  • Local Intreo Centre in Waterford:

    • Address: Government Buildings, Cork Road, Waterford, X91 E3WY.
    • Contact: +353 (0)51 356 000.
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM.

C. Training and Upskilling Programs

SOLAS, Irelandโ€™s Further Education and Training Authority, offers free or low-cost training programs to help jobseekers gain new skills.

  • Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB):

    • Provides courses in areas like IT, healthcare, construction, and business.
    • Many courses are free for unemployed individuals.
    • Website: www.wwetb.ie
    • Contact: +353 (0)51 301 500.

  • Springboard+ and Skillnet Ireland:

    • Springboard+ offers free higher education courses in high-demand sectors.
    • Skillnet Ireland provides subsidized training for jobseekers and employees.

D. Local Employment Services (LES)

LES provides personalized support to jobseekers, including:

  • CV preparation and interview coaching.

  • Job search assistance.

  • Referrals to training and education programs.

  • Waterford LES Office:

    • Address: 49 The Quay, Waterford, X91 YK0A.
    • Contact: +353 (0)51 304 799.

E. Community Employment (CE) Schemes

CE schemes offer part-time work and training opportunities for long-term unemployed individuals. Participants gain valuable work experience while earning a weekly allowance.

  • Eligibility:
    • Must be aged 21 or older.
    • Long-term unemployed or receiving certain social welfare payments.
  • How to Apply:
    • Contact your local Intreo Centre or LES office for available CE positions.

F. Support for Immigrants and Non-Irish Nationals

Waterford has several organizations that provide employment support to immigrants:

  • Waterford Integration Services:
    • Offers advice on job-seeking, CV writing, and understanding Irish workplace culture.
    • Contact: +353 (0)51 844 844.
  • Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI):
    • Provides legal and employment rights advice for migrants.
    • Website: www.mrci.ie.

3. Costs

Most employment assistance services in Waterford are free of charge, including:

  • Intreo services.
  • Local Employment Services.
  • Training programs for unemployed individuals (e.g., SOLAS courses). However, some specialized training programs may have subsidized fees.

4. Application Procedures

To access employment assistance in Waterford:

  1. Register with Intreo:
    • Visit the Waterford Intreo Centre or register online at MyWelfare.ie.
    • Bring necessary documents (e.g., ID, proof of address, and PPS number).
  2. Meet with an Employment Advisor:
    • Discuss your skills, experience, and career goals.
    • Receive guidance on available supports and programs.
  3. Apply for Financial Supports (if eligible):
    • Submit applications for JSA, JSB, or other benefits through MyWelfare.ie.
  4. Enroll in Training Programs:
    • Contact WWETB or SOLAS to explore available courses.
  5. Engage with Local Employment Services:
    • Schedule an appointment for personalized job-seeking support.

5. Local Considerations and Resources

  • Public Transport:
    • Waterford has a reliable public transport system, including buses and trains, making it easy to access employment services and training centers.
    • Visit www.buseireann.ie for schedules and fares.
  • Networking Opportunities:
    • Attend local job fairs and networking events to connect with employers.
    • Check the Waterford Chamber of Commerce website for updates: www.waterfordchamber.ie.
  • Language Support:
    • Free English language classes are available for non-native speakers through WWETB and local community groups.

6. Additional Tips

  • Stay Updated: Regularly check job boards like JobsIreland.ie and Indeed.ie for opportunities in Waterford.
  • Volunteer: Volunteering can help you gain experience and build connections. Visit Volunteer Waterford for opportunities.
  • Prepare Your CV: Tailor your CV to Irish standards. LES and Intreo can assist with this.

By utilizing these resources and services, you can effectively navigate the employment assistance system in Waterford and improve your chances of finding suitable work or training opportunities. Let me know if you need further assistance!