Dear Trainee,
 

Are you considering taking a more Flexible approach to your training? Less than full-time training is now an integral element of Surgical Training and is available to ALL trainees who have completed their first year of Core Surgical Training.

 

Why? 

There are many reasons why a trainee might opt for less than full time training including:

  • Caring responsibilities
  • Family circumstances
  • Illness or recovery
  • Personal reasons

 

How?

There a number of options available to begin flexible training:

  • HSE supernumerary programme: This is a long established programme, where the HSE provides for a limited number of supernumerary posts for a set period of time.
    Funding is provided directly to employers from the HSE NDTP. Further details of this initiative can be found on the HSE Flexible Training Programme

  • Reduced hours: This is one option that has become more prevalent in the last few years.  The number of hours reduced are agreed in advance with your specialty

  • Job sharing: Two trainees can share one post both working part-time on a 0.5 or 0.6 basis

 

Impact on Training

Trainees who opt for less than full time training continue to have access to all courses and funding available through the national Training Support Scheme. If you choose to do LTFT training at any stage during your surgical career, this will impact your date for award of Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training 

 

What to do next?

If you are considering a change to how you train, contact us at surgicalaffairs@rcsi.ie to discuss what options are available to you, the application process and how we can support you.