Vol. 489 No. 2
88 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the success of FÁS training courses; the likely development of these training programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7718/98]
FÁS provides a wide range of training courses designed to respond to a variety of demands. These courses are focused on three main target areas: apprenticeship courses in 27 different trades; skills training courses covering a diverse range of production and service skills for which a need has been identified based on current or likely future demand; and other training courses, which are aimed at achieving enhanced job prospects for groups such as early school leavers, long-term unemployed and women returning to the workplace.
FÁS continually reviews the relevance and effectiveness of its training courses and course contents are upgraded to take account of industrial and technological developments. Reviews are undertaken with the assistance of various interested parties which include education providers, employers, trade unions and representatives of the unemployed.
The success of FÁS training programmes is reflected both in good employment placement rates and feedback from course participants. The latest independent follow-up survey of a sample of FÁS trainees showed that four in five trainees had obtained a job since finishing their training. At the time of the survey, about 18 months after completing training, 65 per cent were employed, 10 per cent in further FÁS programmes or education and 17 per cent unemployed. The remainder were unavailable for work for a variety of reasons. Trainees who were interviewed in the course of the survey acknowledged the benefits of their training in terms of improved confidence, the identification of job opportunities, improved interview skills, new job skills and help in obtaining employment.
