Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
307. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which a motor mechanic apprenticeship or alternative is available in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has completed their leaving certificate and who is anxious to obtain placement as indicated; if there is a list of suitable sponsors, including with State-semi-State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34320/13]
View answerTo become an apprentice, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. Where individuals do not meet the minimum requirements they may be registered as an apprentice by an employer if:
- they satisfactorily complete an approved preparatory training course and assessment interview or
- they are over 18 years of age with a minimum of three years relevant work experience and satisfactorily complete an assessment interview.
Apprentices must be employed and registered in their chosen occupation by an employer who has been approved by FÁS. Lists of approved employers are not released in general. Apprenticeship opportunities are advertised on Jobs Ireland. Jobs Ireland can be accessed easily and in a number of ways – through the Internet at www.jobsireland.ie or on special touch screen (WATIS) kiosks in Employment Services offices provided by the Department of Social Protection. Where State-Semi-State agencies instigate a recruitment plan for apprentices, these are generally advertised in the national newspapers.
