WPEP Explained: Ireland's Work Placement Experience Programme

What Is WPEP?

WPEP is the Work Placement Experience Programme. It's a 6-month placement with a real employer—not a community organisation like CE or Tús, but an actual business, company, or service.

The difference matters. WPEP gets you real commercial experience. You're working alongside people in actual jobs, learning how real workplaces operate. This is especially valuable if you're changing careers or coming back to work after a break.

Who Is WPEP For?

WPEP has different eligibility based on your age:

• Ages 18–24: 4+ months on jobseeker
• Ages 25+: 6+ months on jobseeker
• Ages 55+: 3+ months on jobseeker

You also need to be receiving Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance and have a PPS number.

WPEP is particularly good for career changers because the 6-month timeframe is shorter than CE or Tús, and you get to work in a real commercial environment which looks better on a CV than community work.

WPEP Payment and Money

Weekly payment: €369/week (as of 2026)

This is higher than CE or Tús because WPEP is more intensive work (30 hours vs. 19.5) and with a commercial employer.

Dependent allowances: If you have children, you'll get additional child benefit payments on top of €369.

Training Support Grant: €1,000

This is a one-time grant to help pay for training courses you do during WPEP. More on this below.

Like all jobseeker schemes, you'll keep your rent allowance or housing support during your 6 months.

Training and The €1,000 Grant

WPEP requires 60 hours of training over the 6 months. Of those:

• 20 hours must be accredited (QQI level 3, 4, or 5)
• 40 hours can be on-the-job or non-accredited

The €1,000 Training Support Grant helps you pay for these courses. You can use it for:

• Accredited online courses
• Evening classes or part-time certifications
• Professional development courses in your field

You don't have to spend the full €1,000, and what you don't use stays with you. It's a real grant, not a loan.

Hours and Work Structure

WPEP is 30 hours per week, usually spread over 4–5 days. This gives you more time at work than CE but a clearer week-off pattern.

The work is whatever your employer needs. It could be:

• Office and admin roles
• Retail and customer service
• Tech and IT support
• Trades and manufacturing
• Healthcare and social care
• Tourism and hospitality

Because WPEP placements are with real employers, the work is genuine and immediate. You're not learning. You're contributing from day one.

Duration: 6 Months Now, Option for a Second Placement

WPEP placements are fixed at 6 months. But here's the important part: you can do two WPEP placements (up to 12 months total experience).

Many people do one 6-month placement, then:

• Get hired permanently: Some employers convert WPEP workers to permanent roles.
• Do a second WPEP placement elsewhere: If you want more experience in a different role or sector.
• Move to another scheme: CE or Springboard+ if you need more time or training.

The option for a second placement means you can do up to a year of work experience across two employers.

Voluntary and No Obligations

WPEP is completely voluntary. You don't have to accept a placement if you don't want it. Refusing a placement won't affect your jobseeker payment.

This is different from some schemes where refusing could mean loss of payments. With WPEP, it's your choice.

That said, if you're offered a placement in your field or sector, it's usually worth taking. The experience is valuable.

How to Apply for WPEP

The application process is straightforward:

1. Check eligibility: Are you on jobseeker? Have you been unemployed for 4–6 months (depending on age)? If yes, you're eligible.
2. Register on JobsIreland.ie: Search for "WPEP" or "Work Placement Experience Programme." Browse available placements.
3. Apply directly to placements: When you see a placement you're interested in, apply through the site. Include a CV and cover letter.
4. Employer interviews: The employer will contact you for an interview (by phone or in person).
5. Start your placement: If selected, you'll typically start within 2–4 weeks.

What Makes WPEP Different (And Why It Matters for Career Changers)

If you're changing careers, WPEP has real advantages:

• Real commercial experience: You're working in an actual business, not a community organisation. This looks stronger on CVs when applying for permanent jobs.
• Shorter timeframe: 6 months vs. 1–3 years for CE. You get moving faster.
• Higher payment: €369/week is more than CE or Tús (€286.50), acknowledging the more intensive work.
• Better employer network: Contacts made in a commercial setting are often more directly useful for future job hunting.
• Option for a second placement: You can do another 6-month placement in a different role or sector, effectively getting a second internship.

WPEP vs. CE vs. Tús: Quick Comparison

After WPEP: Next Steps

• Direct hire: Some WPEP employers hire their placements permanently. Ask about this in month 5 if it's going well.
• Second WPEP placement: Apply for another 6-month placement with a different employer (e.g., if you want to try a different role or sector).
• Permanent job hunting: You now have 6 months of commercial experience on your CV. Apply for permanent roles directly.
• Further training: If you need more upskilling, move to Springboard+ or another training scheme.

Key Advantages of WPEP

Why choose WPEP over CE or Tús?

• You get moving faster: Only 4–6 months on jobseeker eligibility vs. 12 for CE or Tús.
• Real employer experience: WPEP looks better on CVs because it's commercial work, not community work.
• Higher payment: €369 vs. €286.50 reflects the more intensive work.
• Training grant: €1,000 to fund skills training during your placement.
• Two placements possible: Up to a year of commercial experience across two roles.
• Best for career changers: If you're switching fields, 6 months in the new sector is enough to prove you're serious.