Everything you need to know
about the CE Scheme
The Community Employment scheme helps long-term unemployed people get back to work through local placements and free certified training across Co. Kerry.
About the CE Scheme
The Community Employment (CE) programme helps people who are long-term unemployed to get back to work. Ballymac CE offers part-time, temporary job placements within local communities across County Kerry.
By working with Ballymac CE, you can gain new skills, work experience, and accredited qualifications that will help you find a permanent job. Training is provided as part of your placement — at no cost to you.
You can also take up other part-time work during your CE placement. When your placement ends, you will be supported in finding employment using the skills and experience you have gained.
Do you qualify?
Here are the main eligibility criteria for joining the CE scheme:
Age requirement
You must be aged 21 or over in most cases. The minimum age is 18+ for people with disabilities, asylum seekers, and certain minority groups. DSP rules →
Welfare receipt
You must be receiving a qualifying payment for at least 12 months. For Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit (6+ months), the waiting period may be reduced. DSP rules →
Qualifying payments
Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker's Transitional Payment, Widow's/Widower's Pension, Farm Assist and others. Full list on DSP →
🧓 Aged 55–59
You can stay on a CE scheme for up to 3 consecutive years. DSP rules →
👴 Aged 60+
You can remain on CE continuously until you reach State pension age (66), provided a place is available. DSP rules →
Not sure if you qualify? Contact your local Intreo Centre — they can check your eligibility and refer you directly to Ballymac CE. Or call us on 066 713 7026.
Your journey to Ballymac CE
Five straightforward steps from first enquiry to starting your placement:
Visit Intreo
Go to your local Intreo Centre and confirm your eligibility. They will check your welfare record and advise on qualifying payments.
Find your role
Browse current vacancies on jobsireland.ie or ask your Intreo officer to show you available Ballymac CE positions.
Get referred
Ask your Intreo officer to refer you to Ballymac CE for the role you're interested in. Direct applications are not permitted — referral from Intreo is required.
Attend interview
You'll be invited to a short, friendly interview with our team. We'll discuss your skills, training plan and complete Garda vetting.
Start your placement
If successful, you'll be offered a placement of 19.5 hours/week, and begin earning your weekly payment straight away.
Watch our videos
These short videos explain the CE scheme, eligibility, and training opportunities in more detail.
Take your next step today
Contact your local Intreo Centre to check your eligibility, or call us directly — we're happy to answer any questions.
Or call us: 066 713 7026