Everyone benefits from HSE support to SHEP Training.
Thank you for your interest in training, or further training, with SHEP. We appreciate that the cost of courses is a significant issue and our philosophy is to keep our training as affordable and as accessible as possible. Because we are supported by the HSE, all courses are subsidised. Every participant benefits because without the financial support from the HSE the standard course fee for all courses would be significantly higher. We believe our training offers tremendous value for money.
What do SHEP courses cost?
For information on the fees payable by participants for SHEP courses please read 'SHEP Course Fees'
You can spread the payments over a number of months
For those who are interested, SHEP operates an interest-free Fees Payment Plan. This means that the cost of the course may be paid over a number of months (though not longer than the length of the course). If you wish to avail of this option you will need to complete a Payment Plan Form (which you will receive with your letter of offer) and return it to SHEP before the course commences.
You may be able to get some grant support
Some participants have been supported by their employers or by their Local Development Partnership to undertake training with SHEP. Some participants have received assistance from FÁS/the Department of Social Protection. St Vincent de Paul have also provided support to some applicants who met certain requirements. We encourage you to make your own enquiries.
SHEP offers a concessionary rate for some courses
SHEP recognises that for some persons, the course fee may still be prohibitive. To make our courses accessible to those facing financial hardship we offer a concessionary rate on some SHEP courses offered in Cork and Kerry. You may apply to SHEP for the concessionary rate if you are
i) in receipt of a social welfare allowance
ii) or, a full-time student
iii) or,working full-time or part-time in minimum wage or low-paid employment
iv) or, experiencing financial hardship.
However, there is a very limited amount of money available within SHEP for concessions and it is unlikely that all applicants will be successful. We will therefore prioritise applications from those in greatest need of assistance. All applications are treated confidentially.
How do I apply for a concession?
We really encourage you to apply in good time. The closing date for receipt of applications for the concessionary rate is the (first) closing date for each specific course. Because of the limited availability of concessions, there will be no ‘extended closing date’ for concessions, even if there is an extended closing date for the applications to the course. To apply, you must complete and submit the standard Course Application Form and also enclose the following:
i) A completed Concession Application Form - on this form you should clearly set out the case for the concession.
ii) A reduced deposit (€50). This will be refunded in the event that the concessionary rate is not granted and you do not wish to take up the course
It is important to note that concessions must be applied for each time you apply for a course – if you received a concession previously you must apply again for your next course and there is no guarantee you will be successful. All of the applications for concessions will be assessed by the Director shortly after the closing date and all applicants will be contacted by phone (by him or by a SHEP staff member acting on his behalf) soon afterwards. (It is important to note that while a person may be granted a concessionary rate, this is not the same as being offered a place on a course). Don’t forget that a payment plan can be arranged to pay the remainder of the fee in instalments over the duration of the course. This can be done by completing the Payment Plan Form which will be included in the pack you will receive if you are offered a place. If you are unsure about any of this and need assistance please don’t hesitate to ring us on (021) 4666180
Concession Application Form
To view and/or download an application form to apply for a concession please click here.
