Debenhams Training Fund
Debenhams Training Fund
The Government has provided €3 million in funding, to assist the reskilling of former Debenhams employees. SOLAS has been requested to co-ordinate this nationwide programme on behalf of Government by Department Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The Debenhams training fund seeks to support and re-skilling of redundant employees with a total funding envelope of €3 million.
The programme duration will be two years, effective from 01st November 2021, the format of the “Debenhams” training fund reflecting the delivery model introduced by SOLAS to co- ordinate “The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund” (EGF) within the period 2010–2018
The eligible clients will receive a host of additional upskilling, training, educational, start your own business and coaching supports, designed to facilitate their return to training, education, or employment these include:
Training Grants: Allow eligible clients to avail of upskilling\ training options from the broad array of private training organisations.
Course Expense Contributions: Allow eligible clients to procure laptops \ iPad or related forms of equipment to support their reskilling and enhance their employability. Course Expense Contribution also covers Travel and Interview costs.
Re-imbursement of fees: Allow eligible clients to recoup the cost of training programmes and or equipment which they may have procured to support their individual upskilling since their redundancy.
Childcare: Contribution towards the costs of childcare to facilitate parent\s attend training or upskilling programmes.
Books: Contribution towards the cost of text/technical books/materials for courses.
Career Transition Grant: designed to permit eligible clients procure the services of professional HR practitioners to assist with CV, interviews, and mentoring.
Supports and Course Expense Contribution: Schedule of Payments
Date of implementation 20th October 2022
Training Grant - Higher Education
Payments to Private Colleges/Provider – SOLAS will assess each application on a case-by-case basis
Training Grant - Further Education
Payments to Private Colleges/Provider – SOLAS will assess each application on a case-by-case basis
Career Transition Grant
Maximum €1,000 CV/Interviews Supports/Guidance
Course Expense Contributions
Course Equipment and Materials
Maximum €1,000 – total period of the fund, Includes- P.C/Laptop/iPad/Printer. Only one P.C/Laptop or iPad per beneficiary for the duration period of fund.
Reimbursement of additional equipment and materials required for courses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by SOLAS before purchasing of equipment is approved.
Please note all receipt/s must be in the name of the beneficiary.
Books
Maximum €450 - total period of the fund.
Travel
Note: When using public transport original receipts must be submitted when claiming travel reimbursements. Claims for public transport will be paid in full. A maximum amount of €2,000 can be claimed for the total duration of the fund.
Travelling by vehicle:
Up to 48kms €12.78
Over 48kms €17.04
Accommodation (includes subsistence)
Overnight rate of €167 per 24-hour period. Maximum of 7 nights per year.
Stationary
Maximum one-off payment of €100
Childcare
Maximum payment of €100 per week.
Note: All course expense contribution must be linked/requirement of the training course the client is attending. Please contact the SOLAS coordination unit if you require clarification on your reimbursement claim or refer to the 'How to Guides on the webpage'.
SOLAS Debenhams Coordination Unit
To assist and support eligible former Debenhams employees through the process SOLAS has established a centralised co- ordination team.
This unit is dedicated to providing a range of services to eligible Debenhams beneficiaries and will be your main point of contact. The team will travel and support those eligible beneficiaries, where required.
The current team consists of:
Brian Head, Programme Manager 087 945 1263
Brian.head@solas.ie
Angela Mahon, Project Officer 086 107 7100
Angela.mahon@solas.ie
Aoife O’Neill, Assistant Project Officer 01 533 2547
Aoife.oneill@solas.ie
Vera Costello, Assistant Project Officer 01 533 2596
Vera.costello@solas.ie
To download the Debenhams Training Fund reimbursement claims forms click on the required link below
How to Guide - Submitting a Reimbursement Claim
How to Guide - Submitting a Training Grant Application
Debenhams Career and Training Grant Reimbursement Form
Debenhams CEC -Equipment and Materials Claim Form