asked the Minister for Labour if any surveys are being carried out on the present employment status of young people who have participated in work experience programmes or AnCO training programmes in recent years; and if he will give details of results of each surveys.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Work Experience Programmes.
7.
Two sample surveys on the work experience programme were carried out by the Youth Employment Agency in June-July 1985 and in January 1986. In each case the young people surveyed had left the programme at least six months prior to the time of the survey.
In the first survey, 996 participants were contacted and there was an 82 per cent response rate. This survey showed that 43 per cent of participants have been retained by their sponsors and 33 per cent were employed elsewhere.
In the second survey 440 participants were contacted. There was a 71 per cent response. At the time of this survey 37 per cent had been retained by their sponsors and 29 per cent were employed elsewhere.
The National Manpower Service also produce an annual statistical analysis of the programme. The 1985 analysis shows that of the 8,930 young people who completed programmes 48 per cent were retained by sponsors and 17 per cent were employed elsewhere.
AnCo records the employment status of trainees immediately after the completion of training. In 1985, 14,727 young people under 25 participated in mainline skills and enterprise training courses, excluding apprenticeships. Of these 75 per cent were placed in employment on completion of their courses.
With regard to apprentices, 2,412 completed their training in the same year and 77 per cent of these were placed in employment.
During the same year 2,554 young people participated in community response programmes with a placement rate of 47 per cent. Just over 61 per cent of the 1,058 participants on the skills foundation programme were placed on completion of the programme. Four thousand, nine hundred and sixty four young people participated in the community youth training programme and 2,624 in the community training workshops. Placement rates on completion of these programmes were 29 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. Approximately 800 young people were involved in a range of other special programmes with a placement rate of about 30 per cent.
I should point out, however, that one of the objectives of these community type courses is to equip trainees to participate in mainline courses. Placement rates are not therefore the main criteria of success.
AnCO also carries out limited sample surveys four months after the completion of training. As soon as the surveys at present being conducted have been finalised, I shall let the Deputy have the results.
Did the Minister say the success rate is about 30 per cent in relation to work experience programmes?
They vary for different courses. The 30 per cent refers to the special programmes in which about 800 young people participated.
Did the Minister say that of the 8,930 young people who completed programmes 48 per cent were retained by sponsors?
In the first survey, 996 participants were contacted and they found that 43 per cent had been retained by their sponsors and that 33 per cent were employed elsewhere.
I take it the Minister is satisfied with the figures because in relation to the larger schemes about 48 per cent seem to have been retained by sponsors and about 30 per cent seem to have been retained in the smaller schemes. What system is operated in the Department to ensure that firms who regularly employ the people whom they have sponsored receive priority because it is often the case that such firms face long delays when they seek to employ further labour?
I am not aware of the position in relation to such firms but I will make inquiries and let the Deputy have the information.
A large number of firms use the schemes to employ people on a short-term basis. There is nothing wrong with that but some firms feel they are unfairly treated by having to wait six months before they can take on someone else.
I will look into the matter and pass the information on to the Deputy.