So far, just 170 applicants have registered for the programme, which gives the unemployed, unpaid work experience while retaining their social welfare benefits.

FAS introduced the scheme to give those on the Live Register motivation and encouragement while out of work.

A total of 2,000 places are being made available under the Work Placement Programme, half of these are reserved for graduates. FAS has already approved 36 graduate applications out of the 170 received.

The idea is to give unemployed people six months experience in the work environment, but retain their social welfare payments.

A representative for FAS said it believes more people will apply in the coming weeks.

“It is progressing well. FAS is actively promoting the programme to both potential participants and to employers,” the representative said.

“It is anticipated that this will rise steadily and on a daily basis following clarification in respect of a number of the current applications and upon receipt of new applications.

“People can apply now to join the programme. FAS has been recording Expressions of Interest from prospective clients,” the representative added.

The spokesperson said that there is no additional cost associated with the programme, except for a small amount for the promotional campaign, which will be covered under existing budgets.

Further information is available on the FAS website.

Individuals who have been unemployed for six months and are in receipt of a Job Seeker’s Allowance are entitled to submit an application.

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan revealed the plan in April, but it has only come into effect within the past few weeks.

“Including the additional measures contained in this Budget we are now providing, through FAS and my department, a total of 128,000 training and activation places for the unemployed this year,” Ms Coughlan said.

“This is a substantial increase on the approximate 66,000 places taken up last year and is representative of the seriousness with which we are tackling the current challenge to ensure that people are best positioned to get back into employment.”

- Claire Murphy-see more:http://www.herald.ie/national-news/jobless-snub-fas-offer-of-work-scheme-without-wages-1845150.html

Being a student means that cash is tight – we all know that.

We also all know that these days money is even tighter and so with a little bit of work and imagination you can change your current situation and enjoy your college years that bit more. Selling some old junk on Ebay might not be enough to make a real difference to your financial security: you need to think of more lasting money-spinning ideas that can generate a regular income.

You need to think big to be big.

Get paid to have fun

High street shops, pubs and clubs are big into checking their customer service.

Mystery Shopping agencies pay in cash and vouchers for you to review certain products and services – most even pay for your meal/shopping too!

See: www.customerperceptions.ie and www.crestireland.com

Become a film/TV extra

OK, so it’s not as glamorous as it may first appear, but you can earn good money from a day that involves very little work.

The downside is you have to travel, expenses aren’t always paid for and you may have to pay a fee to sign up.

See: www.movieextras.ie and www.starnow.ie

Pass on your knowledge.

Being a tutor can be lucrative, stable and flexible and as a student you’re best placed to use already existing skills!

Place adds in free advertising sites for grinds, foreign students and Primary & Secondary students are always looking for tutors at a competitive price and through word of mouth you won’t be long building up a client base.

See: www.gumtree.ie and www.grindsworld.com

Use your skills

There is always something you are good at that you can make money from – proof reading, typing, fixing computers etc.

A lot, of businesses outsource their work and seek out people online to do it for them, Odesk is a great way to flex your skills, get experience and get paid for what your good at.

See: www.odesk.com

Become a Entrepeneur.

It’s easier than you think to make money by selling your services/creations online.

Sites like etsy.com are specifically for selling hand-made produce, and setting up a business of sorts from home can be surprisingly easy in your free time.

It will take time and perseverance, as well as a degree of skill, but the long-term return is surprisingly generous.

See: www.etsy.com and www.enterprisenation.com

Promotions & Marketing

Offer your services to promote products. Businesses use marketing companies such as prompeople.ie to market their product, this could entail anything from giving out samples on the streets, traffic sampling, pubs & clubs promotions etc. This is especially good if you have any special skills to offer such as experience in modeling, photography, beauticians, acting, singing and dancing.

See: www.prompeople.ie and www.retailmarketing.ie

Modelling

If your one of these people who are blessed with long legs and a waistline to die for or your the guy with a chiseled  jawline and a fit body then give modeling a go, it pays well and could be the start of a budding career. Warning, this is not for the light hearted, it’s a very harsh industry and by no means should one lose weight to model, healthy eating is vital and should not be jeopardized.

See: www.assetsmodels.com

Get paid for your opinion

There are services which pays you for giving your honest opinions about products and services. It works because your views are valuable to companies who want to understand what their customers think, and they are prepared to reward you for your time.

See: www.irishopinions.com and www.irelandsurveypanel.com

Get money for your old mobile

Students love their gadgets as much as the next person and over the years you’ve probably stayed up to date with all the latest technology, so chances are you’ve at least one old mobile phone stuffed into that dreaded over flowing drawer that you keep meaning to clean out, well now’s your opportunity because you can now get money for your old mobile. Ask friends and family to donate their old mobiles to you and you’ll be sure to make a nice few bob.

See: www.money4urmobile.ie

If you have any new ideas on how to make a quick buck, let us know.

1.Going travelling this summer?

Don’t pay for accommodation, join www.coachsurfing.org

2.Enter free competitions, as many as you can to improve your chances of bagging that prize.

3.Sell the stuff you don’t use anymore on ebay, trust me what may seem dated to you will make someone else’s day.

4. Bag a cheap holiday by doing your research online, it’s time consuming but will save you hundreds, a really good site for last minute deals on aertel www.rte.ie

5. Fancy a weekend away this summer? Don’t pay for expensive accommodation, borrow a tent and go camping, trust me even if you’re not the “outdoorsy” type, you’ll have so much fun.

6. You don’t need to buy a new outfit every time you go out, swap clothes with girlfriend the same size as you, you may feel awkward asking to borrow the dress you saw her in last week but if you suggest swapping wardrobes for the weekend, it will sound fun and more appealing or go to www.vintagedresses.ie

7. The sun is shining and you’re wardrobe is dull, don’t get depressed, get the scissors, cut up those old jeans, they’ll look as hot as if they came straight from BT2.

9. Guy’s don’t be bored, get out all those old games and trade them in for new ones, see www.gamesnash.com

10. Work from home this summer, sell your skills online, employers around the world will pay you for your work, go to www.odesk.com