Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
262. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the actions being taken to overcome the issue of unemployment within the construction sector; if there are any supports in place for young apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54113/12]
View answerThe Action Plan for Jobs 2012 identifies a number of key economic sectors which the Government will focus on to promote employment opportunities, including Construction.Among the key actions identified for the Construction sector is the development of a National Strategy to 2015, which will outline the opportunities, challenges and actions needed to realise the potential of the sector. Work has already commenced on this Strategy, and initial consultations have taken place with key stakeholders. I expect the Strategy to be completed by the end of this year.
Enterprise Ireland (EI) is assisting Construction companies to expand their presence in key geographic territories, to target project opportunities in emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa as well as helping them to access other international market opportunities. To achieve these objectives, EI has in place a range of direct supports to assist established client companies including those in the Construction sector. EI maintains a network of offices to ensure it reaches out to support entrepreneurs and established companies throughout the country. A dedicated unit within Enterprise Ireland - the Potential Exporters Division – is responsible for responding to the development needs of such companies; promoting and advocating the export agenda; proactively promoting a range of tailored services, initiatives, and grants; helping companies access EI services and financial supports; proactively identifying and stimulating companies that demonstrate the potential to grow and establish a developmental agenda with those particular companies.
In addition, the Government’s €2.25bn infrastructure stimulus package should provide significant opportunities for job creation in the Construction sector. As part of the Action Plan for Jobs, the Department of Education and Skills is currently carrying out a review of the apprenticeship model. To assist redundant apprentices complete their apprenticeships, that Department, through FÁS, has put several interim measures in place, including the development of Phase 7 (equivalent) assessments for redundant apprentices at the final phase of their apprenticeship in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stone-laying, Cabinet Making and Plastering. Redundant apprentices who wish to complete the Phase 7 equivalents should contact their Senior Training Advisor.
FÁS has also introduced a Competency Determination Mechanism (CDM). This Mechanism provides redundant apprentices who have a time deficit in their apprenticeship, with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge against the occupational standard for the specified trade over a number of days in a FÁS Training Centre.
Under the temporary Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme (RAPS), FÁS provides supports for apprentices to be placed with an eligible employer in order to attain the minimum duration necessary to complete their “on-the-job” training at Phases 3, 5 or 7 of the apprenticeship. The maximum period of placement is 26 weeks for apprentices on Phases 3 and 5; and 12 weeks for those on Phase 7. Redundant apprentices may also avail of Skills Training Courses which enhance their employment skills, as well as the range of Night Courses which are available in FÁS Training Centres. Further information on these Programmes is available on the FÁS Website, www.fas.ie.
