1.Work Experience provides the learner with the opportunity to explore employment areas, test their skills in employment and acts as a work trial leading to a job. Work experience is normally of short duration (e.g. four weeks). The work experience can be conducted over a set period of time, e.g. four consecutive weeks, or can be staggered, e.g. one day per week for 10 weeks.

2. A Training Place involves an employer providing on-the-job training to a learner, with support provided from National Learning Network staff. The purpose of a training place is to train the learner to do the job. Learners normally spend four days per week with the employer and placements are usually 9 months to a year in duration.     

No. There is no cost to you in having a learner from National Learning Network on work experience or on a training place. You do not need to pay the learner as they receive a training allowance from FÁS. National Learning Network will take care of insurance. All we request is that you give honest and constructive feedback periodically on the learners’ progress. 

Already hundreds of companies – large and small – across Ireland have benefited from the experience of offering trading places and/or work experience to our learners.   
There are many benefits for an employer. Firstly, they gain from having a motivated, cost-free trainee join their workforce and contribute to their business. They also benefit by receiving disability awareness training, both for themselves and their staff, and from having a more diverse workforce. Research shows that morale in the business improves and the employer enhances his/her reputation as a social responsible employer.
 

You will be provided with the name and mobile number of the learner’s work co-ordinator. This person will have an in-depth knowledge of the learner and will be available to offer support and assist you with their training and development. You will also be able to contact your local centre and talk to the local manager.

The majority of National Learning Network learners do not have assistive technology requirements. However, we will supply any aids or adaptation that may be required. In all cases, National Learning Network will attempt to match the needs and goals with the learner with the employer needs.

Yes. Disability awareness training is provided on an informal basis. This focuses on generic disability issues and in raising awareness around the needs of the individual learner. National Learning Network’s Learning and Assessment Service can provide formal training courses on disability awareness. Further details, including costs, are available on the Learning and Assessment Services section of this website (LINK)

No. We don’t require any commitments on behalf of the employers with regards to employment. It has been our experience that employers do subsequently employ many of our learners on the basis that they are motivated, can do the job, and are familiar with the company, its staff and procedures. As result, employers find that their recruitment and training costs are significantly reduced.

No. All of our learners are covered by National Learning Network’s own insurance policy. Your contact person within National Learning Network will forward you our insurance details prior to the commencement of the work placement.

All our learners are giving Health and Safety and manual handling training prior to going on work experience/training placement. As far as practical, we match the learner to the employer and the job. We do expect our learners to be included in any Health and Safety or other relevant training while on the job.    

For further information on providing work experience or training places to our learners, please contact your local area manager, who would be happy to be of assistance and answer any of your queries. Details of your local National Learning Network centre can be found by clicking on our map of centres page.