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Group Engagement Session

  • 14-10-2013 2:47pm
    #1
    AllWasWell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 184 ✭✭


    Hi Guys,
    I got a letter from social welfare last week that I have to attend a group session tomorrow. I have read the other threads but I was hoping someone could give me some more information. Will it be a case that they will try and sign me up for a course even if it is not something I want to do? I'm worried that if I refuse, then they will cut my pay. I don't mean to sound big headed but I have a masters degree so I really don't think that doing a lower level course will help me. Also, I've only been claiming for 2 months so I'm hoping that they won't give me too hard a time since I'm not long term.

    I've applied for several job bridge internships but I haven't heard from any of them yet. I would really like to get one of them as I really need the experience. Will FAS be able to help me with this? Maybe try and arrange an interview for me at one of them? Or is it entirely up to the company?

    Any info is really appreciated! Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    elfy4eva
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭elfy4eva


    It's an information session they're fairly standard. They'll sit everyone down in front of a slideshow presentation and give you details on some courses and employment schemes. The guys who run them in Galway city are the Local Employment services Network (LESN) and they won't pry at you to sign up to a course, just give you information as to what you should be doing. (ie. they wont be forcing you to do anything)

    They are decent information sessions and they'll usually schedule a 1 on 1 follow up interview with a guidance Councillor at your LESN office he will discuss your goals on a personal level and help you with any of the technical side of stuff. (using the FÁS website etc.)

    Generally a very painless event so don't worry.

    Hope this helps!
    Regards Elfy


  • #3
    zenno
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,377 ✭✭✭zenno


    When you first attend this group engagement session you will go to the desk and the person will strike your name out as to say that you attended, and then they will give you a large brown envelope that you will have to take home with you to fill out.

    They will tell you that they will be again in contact with you one month later for a one to one meeting in your local fas office, regarding further training, as in courses.

    The group session will last around 2 hours. There was at least 100 people at the group session i went to a few weeks ago so try and get there on time so you get a chair, otherwise you will be standing throughout it all.


  • #4
    elfy4eva
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,204 ✭✭✭elfy4eva


    zenno wrote: »
    When you first attend this group engagement session you will go to the desk and the person will strike your name out as to say that you attended, and then they will give you a large brown envelope that you will have to take home with you to fill out.

    They will tell you that they will be again in contact with you one month later for a one to one meeting in your local fas office, regarding further training, as in courses.

    The group session will last around 2 hours. There was at least 100 people at the group session i went to a few weeks ago so try and get there on time so you get a chair, otherwise you will be standing throughout it all.

    Seems to depend on where you attend, my session while similar to yours only had about 9 people in attendance and only lasted 30 mins. Wasnt sent home to fill out anything, but they did book me in for a short 1-1 later that month.


  • #5
    davydoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 147 ✭✭davydoc


    I attended a session yesterday here in Carndonagh in Co. Donegal, it lasted for about 35-40 minutes, and at the end, we were all given a time and date for a 1 to 1 meeting with the person conducting the Group Engagement session. There were about 10 people there, and it was a broad spectrum. According to the guy running the thing, it's being aimed at new entrants to the welfare system - more so than long term claimants.
    I had my 1 to 1 this morning, and I have to say, it was grand. They ( there were 2 people as one was being trained ) just looked at my C.V. and asked me what I thought I wanted to do - they then proceeded to point me in the direction - nothing was forced on me - and helped me to make a start on( what may be a long ) road back into the workplace.
    Its definately nothing for anyone to be anxious or worried about - which I kind of was.
    If it makes any difference - I am a graduate and am unemployed for just short of 6 months.


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