Fitness Instructor

Continuing Education

Application Form

Student Services

NCEF National Register

Locations

Jobsboard

Recognition of Prior Learning

Courses

LABOUR MARKET ACTIVATION
The National Council for Exercise and Fitness have secured Labour Market Activation (LMA) funding to support 50 places on its upcoming Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (NFQ Level 6) Fitness Instructor courses which are scheduled to commence in October 2010.

Q1: What is the Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010?
The Labour Market Activation Fund was established as part of Budget 2010. The €20 million Fund will be used to support training and education programmes for the unemployed who want to improve their education and skills. The programmes are giving priority to those unemployed people who are less-skilled, those who previously worked in the construction, retail and manufacturing sectors, those who are under 35, as well as the long-term unemployed. The Department of Education and Skills are managing the Activation Fund.

Q2: Am I eligible to take part in these programmes?

To be eligible to apply you must be getting an unemployment payment for at least three months in a row before joining the programme. Time spent on training or education programmes will count towards this three-month period. Note: As part of the application process for the LMA funding, applicants MUST provide confirmation from their local social welfare office of the duration of the applicant's claim to a jobseekers payment or other welfare entitlement with application form.

You must also meet the NCEF entry requirements which are as follows:

1. Applicants should hold the Irish Leaving Certificate with minimum Grade D3 in five Ordinary Level subjects (including Maths, Irish or another language, and English) OR an approved equivalent qualification
2. Other standards within Leaving Certificate or other levels of education will be considered under the NCEF/UL Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) scheme
3. Mature applicants (23yrs+) who do not hold the leaving certificate or equivalent may also apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Scheme.

More details on entry requirements are available online please click here or email ncef@ul.ie

Q3: Will I get welfare payments while I’m on a course?
You may qualify for a Back-to-Education allowance or may, under the Part-time Education Option, retain your welfare payments while on this course for as long as you would normally be eligible to receive such payments from the Department of Social Protection. If you have questions about your welfare entitlements and income support while on courses please contact your nearest Department of Social Protection Office.

Q4: How do I apply?

All applicants must submit the following documents to the NCEF Head Office.

1. NCEF Application Form. Please state on top of the form that you wish to apply for LMA funding.

2. Copy of your Leaving Certificate or equivalent

3. Applicants that do not hold Leaving Certificate must submit a Portfolio of Learning (POL). A blank POL is available from the NCEF Head Office.

4. Written confirmation from their local social welfare office of the duration of the applicant's claim to a jobseekers payment or other welfare entitlement.

Q5: If I meet the LMA & NCEF entry requirements am I guaranteed my place on the course?

Unfortunately there are a limited number of LMA funded places available on the CEHF so the NCEF can not guarantee you a place on the course even if you meet all the requirements. Applications may be accepted based on their application. Alternatively an interview may be required.

Q6: What is the closing date for applications?

All applicants must submit the required documents to the NCEF Head Office to arrive no later than Monday 9th August 2010.The application will be processed and you will be notified in writing regarding the status of your application within 15 working days.

NEWS