The Community Employment (CE) programme is designed to help people who are long-term unemployed (or otherwise disadvantaged) to get back to work by offering part-time and temporary placements in jobs based within local communities. What the Community Employment Programme (CE scheme) is:
The Community Employment (CE) programme is designed to help people who are long-term unemployed (or otherwise disadvantaged) to get back to work by offering part-time and temporary placements in jobs based within local communities. The training provided through CE is delivered within a Quality Assurance framework. See details of recognised courses on www.qqi.ie that can be achieved and that lead to major awards on the National Framework of Qualifications. When a person’s CE placement ends, the person is encouraged to seek a job elsewhere using the skills, experience and training gained while participating on the CE scheme. The duration of a CE placement is for 12 months with some exceptions. How to qualify:
The general qualifying age for CE is 21 years. In general, you must also be getting one of the following payments for at least 12 months:
• Jobseeker’s Benefit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Deserted Wife’s Benefit
• Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension
• Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-contributory) Pension
• Farm Assist
Some exceptions exist and it is best to speak to a member of staff in your local Intreo Centre for more information about the qualifying criteria. In general, all placements are for one year only, but if a CE participant is undertaking training to achieve a major award, the participant’s time can be extended by up to two years to allow him or her to complete the training which will enhance his or her overall employment prospects. Eligible people over 55 years of age can remain on CE for three years without having to meet the requirement that they are training for a major award. How many hours is a CE scheme?
19.5 hours per week
How many hours will I work on the CE scheme? You must work for 19.5 hours per week (excluding breaks) for your sponsor organisation. Your sponsor may agree with DSP to arrange your work hours differently. Apply
Jobs are advertised on national job and employment websites and local media, for example www.jobsireland.ie. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of staff in your local Intreo
Office. Voluntary organisations and public bodies may sponsor CE projects that are for community and public benefit. They should contact their local Intreo Centre for more information. What happens when you finish a CE scheme? Questions? Please feel free to drop into the office at Lower main Street, Kingscourt,
Co Cavan or email [email protected] for anymore information.
