Ireland Fact-File Part 5:
Small Business Incentive Programs

5.2 Ireland Training Incentive Schemes

Government and municipal training programs

Various programmes are available to small businesses to assist with the training of employees.

These include the Competency Development Programme (available to private sector companies with less than 250 employees in certain key industries), which subsidises training, and support for apprenticeships and trainees.

The Irish Training and Employment Authority, Foras Áiseanna Sothair (FÁS) offers access to various apprenticeships and training schemes, with the main craft trades coming within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system, which is organised in Ireland by FÁS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, employers and unions.

There is also a National Traineeship Programme, principally aimed at new labour market entrants and unemployed persons. Employers can operate these schemes, in cooperation with FÁS.

Traineeship courses are currently offered for persons seeking the following types of employment:

· Jewellery Manufacturing Operative
· Telecommunications Technical Operator
· Auto Turning Operator
· Business Equipment Service Technician
· Private Security Personnel
· Beauty Therapist
· Childcare Practitioner
· Care Assistant (Care for the Elderly)
· Office Administrator
· Legal Secretary
· Financial Advisors Assistant
· Supply Chain Logistics Administrator
· Freight Forwarding Clerk
· Thatcher
· Software Developer
· Computer & Communications Technician
· Pharmacy Sales Assistant
· Sales & Marketing Assistant
· Trainee Jockey
· Equestrian International Instructor Level 1 (BHSAI)
· Leisure Facility Instructor
· Outdoor Activity Instructor
· Racing Groom