Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)

Looking to gain real work experience, build new skills, and improve your chances of employment?
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) could be the perfect next step.

WPEP is a 6-month voluntary work placement, supported by the Department of Social Protection, designed to help jobseekers reconnect with the labour market in a meaningful way.

www.gov.ie/WPEP

💼 What is WPEP?

WPEP offers:

✅ 6 months of work experience
⏱️ 30 hours per week
🎓 On-the-job training and skills development
🔄 A chance to retrain in a new type of role or sector
💶 Weekly payment of €359 (plus any extra entitlements)

It’s ideal if you want to:

Gain experience in a new career area
Build confidence and up-to-date workplace skills
Strengthen your CV and job prospects

⚠️ You cannot take a placement in a role where you already have significant experience.

👥 Who Can Apply?

You may qualify if you are:

Aged 18 to 65
Currently receiving a qualifying social welfare payment
Unemployed for:
4 months (if under 30), or
6 months (if over 30)

Qualifying payments include:

Jobseeker’s Allowance / Benefit
Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment
One-Parent Family Payment
Disability Allowance
Blind Pension
Farm Assist
Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed or Pay-Related)
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection

👉 Good news:
If you are on One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension, you automatically qualify – no waiting period needed.

🌍 Extra Supports & Flexibility

✔️ Time spent on schemes like CE, Tús, RSS, SWA, VTOS, Back to Education, Springboard, or Illness Benefit may count towards eligibility
✔️ Certain priority groups (including people with disabilities, refugees, people with caring responsibilities, those experiencing homelessness, or people with experience of prison or care) may have the qualifying period waived
✔️ You can work part-time while on WPEP (as long as it doesn’t interfere with your placement and isn’t with the host organisation)

💰 What Will I Be Paid?

€359 per week, plus:

Increase for a Qualified Adult (if applicable)
Increase for a Qualified Child (if applicable)

You may also keep additional supports such as:

Fuel Allowance
Living Alone Increase
Telephone Support Allowance

📝 How to Apply

Register on JobsIreland.ie
Search for Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) vacancies
Apply directly online

JobsIreland Contact Details:
🌐 Website: www.jobsireland.ie
📧 Email: jobsireland@welfare.ie
📞 Phone: 0818 111 112 | 01 248 1389

🤝 Need Help Applying?

Not sure if you qualify or need support with your application?
📍 Speak with your local Intreo Employment Personal Advisor or contact our team — we’re happy to guide you through the process.

✨ WPEP is a practical, supported way to gain experience, rebuild confidence, and move closer to long-term employment.
Take the next step today.

Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)