YOUTHREACH is an integral part of the national programme of second-chance education and training in Ireland and is a central part of the Government's contribution to the achievement of a lifelong learning society.
The programme is directed at unemployed young early school leavers aged 15-20. It offers participants the opportunity to identify and pursue viable options within adult life, and provides them with opportunities to acquire certification. It operates on a full-time, year-round basis.

YOUTHREACH is funded by the Exchequer under the National Development Plan. It is a joint programme between two Government Departments - Education & Science and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Management is through an Inter-Departmental Committee. Its implementation is animated, supported and co-ordinated by the YOUTHREACH National Co-ordinators.


Youthreach objectives

The programme is intended to facilitate young people in returning to learning and preparing for employment and adult life. Its general objectives are as follows:
· Personal and social development and increased self-esteem;
· second-chance education and introductory level training;
· the promotion of independence, personal autonomy, active citizenship and a pattern of lifelong learning;
· integration into further education and training opportunities and the labour market;
· the promotion of social inclusion.

What do we do in Youthreach?
Youthreach offers a flexible and dynamic programme of integrated general education, vocational training and work experience. Learners set personal and educational goals that increase their self-esteem, skill and knowledge base and employability. Essential course elements include Personal and Social Development, Vocational Skills and Communications Skills.
The Youthreach process involves
- personal development and exploration;
- identification of needs, interests and capacities;
- setting learning goals
- sampling general vocational skills;
- development of specific aptitudes;
- work experience;
- literacy and numeracy development.
The Foundation Phases programme is constructed as a curricular matrix incorporating these elements. This approach is also found in the certification offered by FETAC (www.fetac.ie).
Both personal skills and vocational skills are developed. These are generally at 'Foundation' level. The intention is that progression opportunities are provided, as well as employment links. In many cases, however, trainees develop beyond Foundation level.