About the Programme

The Job Initiative Scheme provides full-time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for 5 years or more, and are in receipt of social welfare payments over that period.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

There are currently 11 participants in County Donegal who are employed through this scheme, with 11 community/voluntary groups engaged as sponsor groups.

The programme aims to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities, through the provision of work experience, training and development opportunities. Participants on the scheme work with sponsor groups who are community/voluntary groups/organisations, public bodies and those involved in not-for-profit activities wishing to benefit the local community.