What is Youthreach?
Youthreach is a programme of education and training for young people aged 15 -20 who have left school without completing their education. Cavan Youthreach offers a flexible and dynamic programme of integrated general education, vocational training and work experience
What do learners do at Cavan Youthreach?
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.
Learners attend daily classes in a variety of subjects. For more information on classes please click here.
How long is the Youthreach programme?
Learners are typically enrolled in the programme at Cavan Youthreach for a duration of 2 years.
Can learners get qualifications from attending Youthreach?
Learners complete a variety of QQI accredited modules and work towards achieving QQI National Learning Certificates at both Level 3 and 4. For more information on qualifications please Click here
How do you join the Cavan Youthreach programme?
Prospective learners must meet the relevant criteria in order to be considered for a place in Cavan Youthreach. Learners must be between 15 and 20 years old and typically out of mainstream second level education for a period of three months or more. Prospective learners together with their parents/guardians must attend an interview at the centre to assess suitability for enrollment.
The first step towards enrolling is to make contact with the centre. Please click here for contact information or to submit an enquiry online.
How often do learners attend Youthreach?
Learners are required attend Youthreach every weekday. The centre is open to learners from Mon - Thurs from 9:00am to 4:30pm and on Fridays from 9:00am to 1:30pm. The academic year runs from the beginning of September until the end of May. From the beginning of June until the end of July the centre runs a Summer Programme which learners are required to attend. The centre is closed during the month of August.
Do learners get paid for attending Youthreach?
Learners receive a training allowance for attending Youthreach. The current training allowance rates are as follows:
Learners aged 16 and 17 - €45.00 per week, learners aged 18 and over - €210 per week.
Weekly training allowances are fully dependent on daily attendance and participation.
What facilities are at Cavan Youthreach?
There are a number of modern and well equipped classrooms at Cavan Youthreach in which learning can take place in a positive and relaxed atmosphere. Each classroom has a computer and access to a mobile laptop suite and data projector. The I.T. classroom consists of 13 new fully networked Dell PC's, Apple iMacs, colour laser printer, data projector and inter-active whiteboard. Broadband internet connectivity is available via WiFi throughout the entire centre. There are also a number of specialist classrooms such as the Woodwork Room, Kitchen and Art and Craft Room where practical classes are held. There is also a canteen in the centre where learners have their lunch and breaks. At the rear of the centre is a large poly tunnel where horticulture classes take place.
Cavan Youthreach also utilises a variety of local sports facilities such as Cavan Complex and Swimming Pool, Breifne Park and Killygarry GFC grounds.
Is there a transport service to Cavan Youthreach?
All learners must arrange their own transport to and from the centre.
History
Cavan Youthreach was established in 1989 under the auspices of the Department of Education and the Department of Labour. The responsibility for coordinating Youthreach was given to Co. Cavan Vocational Educational Committee. The centre was originally situated behind the old library on Farnham Street in Cavan Town.
Youthreach is an approved QQI centre for education. The present building in Moynehall Business Park was officially opened in January 2000 by the former Minister for Education, Michael Martin.
Up to 2005 Youthreach Cavan was a 30 place centre. In January 2008 the intake was increased to 40 places, with additional places being granted in 2007. This lead to an increased intake in learners and alspo heralded the addition of new staff members.
Youthreach Cavan produced it's first Annual Report in 2006 which was undertaken in response to the Quality Framework Initiative and FETAC Quality Assurance. June 2006 was also the month that Co. Cavan VEC launched it's own newsletter.
Included in the many highlights down through the years in Cavan Youthreach was the visit of President Mary McAleese in 2005. The centre was also privileged to welcome former Minister for Education, Noel Dempsey to present National Learning Certificates in 2003 and Minister Brendan Smith in 2004 and 2005.