Vol. 532 No. 2
100 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on the development of mature apprenticeships; if FÁS is organising many in each year; if all or specific trades are involved; if State agencies, such as the Office of Public Works, are following the trend and sending existing staff on mature apprenticeships; if the scheme is in its infancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7231/01]
The standards based apprenticeship system, which does not carry an age limitation, was introduced over the period 1993-97. This system of apprenticeship is the principal means by which craft training is provided in this State and is based on the achievement of set standards for each craft or trade. Entry to apprenticeship is open to all candidates who meet the entry requirements and who are put forward for registration by their employer, whether from the public or the private sector.
The minimum entry requirements to the standards based system are that a prospective apprentice must be at least 16 years old and must have at least a grade D in any five subjects in the junior certificate or equivalent grades in other approved examinations. Alternatively, where a candidate for apprenticeship does not meet the minimum educational requirements referred to, they can pursue a pre-apprenticeship course approved by FÁS following an assessment interview, on successful completion of which they can qualify for an apprenticeship. If the applicant is over 25 years of age and has a minimum of three years work experience relevant to the chosen craft, he or she may also qualify to do an apprenticeship subject to an assessment interview.
In so far as the question of providing accelerated apprenticeships arises in the context of the tight labour market and the potential to provide progression routes, my Department is open to discussing this issue with the social partners.
