A second-chance education and training programme for early school leavers
Problem / need / context
Youthreach addresses early school leaving and social exclusion among young people aged 15–20 who have left compulsory schooling without formal qualifications and are at risk of remaining out of education, employment or training. Many come from disadvantaged backgrounds, struggle with literacy and numeracy, and have had negative experiences in mainstream education. This creates a need for flexible, supportive, second-chance pathways that re-engage them with learning and reconnect them to qualifications and employment.
Intervention
Youthreach is a government-funded, full-time education and training programme delivered through Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and community-based centres across Ireland. Each learner follows an individualised learning plan combining basic-skills revision (literacy, numeracy, IT and communications), vocational modules and work-based learning. It is delivered by VET teachers, trainers and support staff in small-group settings, offering personalised guidance, continuous mentoring and flexible learning arrangements. Teaching is adapted to learners’ needs, with flexible pacing and a strong focus on participation, confidence-building and progression. The programme aligns with national qualifications (QQI Levels 3–4) and supports transitions to further education, apprenticeships or employment.
Outcomes
Youthreach has demonstrated positive outcomes for early school leavers, particularly in re-engaging them with education and supporting progression into further training or employment. National evaluation findings show 69% of learners completed the programme; of those, around 45% progressed to further education or training and a similar share (43%) went straight into the labour market (Smyth et al., 2019). The evaluation also highlights that Youthreach effectively supports highly marginalised young people, including those with learning difficulties, mental-health challenges or migrant backgrounds. Overall it reflects learner-centred, inclusive vocational teaching by providing flexible, supportive pathways that help early school leavers regain confidence, gain qualifications and re-engage with education, training and employment.