Jim Higgins
Question:13 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Labour if he has made any recommendations to FÁS in relation to changes to the various apprenticeship schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FÁS Apprenticeship Schemes.
At my request FÁS undertook a review of the current apprenticeship system and subsequently made recommendations to me on a proposed new system based on standards reached rather than time served.
The main recommendations are now contained in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress negotiated between Government and the social partners.
Funding arrangements have still to be finalised. Paragraph 126 of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress provides for the funding for the new system to be discussed by the Government with the trade union and employer organisations in the Central Review Committee of that programme. These discussions are now in progress.
I have asked FÁS to complete the non-funding arrangements for the new system as quickly as possible so that it can be introduced as soon as the funding arragements are agreed. Implementation of the proposed new system will be a day to day matter for FÁS.
I thank the Minister for taking the initiative and revamping the system. What I would like to know is whether the new system will be in operation for the apprentices currently being recruited. It is a scandal that in recent years some of the finest talent in this country ended up in builders' yards in Great Britain because they were unable to take part in apprenticeship courses here. Indeed, some apprenticeship courses were undersubscribed because employers did not have the money to sponsor apprentices.
I acknowledge the Deputy's interest in this matter which he has followed closely and thank him for his support. The intention is to have this system operating in as many areas as possible as quickly as possible. As I mentioned in the House some months ago— perhaps the position is not as bad now— the funding arrangements have still to be finalised. If it is not possible for employers to pay a levy to meet the cost of training apprentices — this now appears to be a lost cause — it is only reasonable that those sectors which mainly use apprentices should pay one. I am trying to make progress on this matter. There is no doubt that there is a number of people who would find employment in this country if they could take part in apprenticeship schemes. It is only right therefore that employers should make a contribution towards the cost, not the full amount.
Is the Minister saying that it will now be possible for a person to get on a scheme without being sponsored by an employer? Some people who get top marks in aptitude tests and at interviews are missing out because they cannot get a sponsor.
That is correct. We are trying to eliminate this bias in the system as a result of which those in the know rather than those with ability get places. We are also trying to move away from the traditional system, under which a person served as an apprentice for a number of years, to a new system based on standards achieved rather than time served.
When will this system come into force?
As I said in my initial reply, discussions on most of the main points have been concluded. However, the funding arrangements have still to be finalised. I stated in reply to Deputy Higgins that we hope to have the system in place in as many areas as possible by the start of the next academic year.
Is the Minister at liberty to tell the House if it is intended to broaden the scope of the schemes in view of the fact they have tended to focus on the traditional skills and trades?
I am very anxious to do this. However, it should be said that there is strong resistance to change in some sectors; I will not say which ones. On the best advice available to me, those fears are ill-founded. The scheme of apprenticeships in this country is probably the most narrow in all of Europe; the schemes in other countries are much broader. We should avail of this opportunity to expand the schemes but I cannot say if the new system will be in operation by September, given the resistance to this move.