asked the Minister for Labour if applicants for apprenticeships in trades are interviewed or assessed to determine the trades best suited for them; and, if so, by whom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assessment of Apprentices.
18.
Most apprentices are recruited by employers as a result of interviews. A small number of employers use aptitude tests to determine suitability and AnCO also uses aptitude tests in the case of the small number of apprentices which it recruits into its training centres.
In the discussion document—Apprenticeship—a New Approach— AnCO has proposed for consideration by all concerned that in future aptitude tests should be used to aid in selection in the case of all applicants for apprenticeships.
Will AnCO or the National Manpower Service do this? Which body registers apprentices?
As to 87 per cent, they are recruited by employers on the basis of an interview. Only a small number of employers require them to take aptitude tests. About 12½ per cent of all apprentices are recruited directly by AnCO and applicants are interviewed and given aptitude tests. If aptitude tests are taken as a general rule we will have to get a great deal of support from the unions on the question of a new approach to apprenticeship.
What body registers apprentices? Is it AnCO or the National Manpower Service?
The aptitude tests are given by AnCO.
I am talking about registration. Would the Minister consider a suggestion that all applications for apprenticeship should be received through a body under the Department of Labour and that all vacancies should likewise come through a section of that Department and that aptitude tests should take place at that stage before people are sent for apprenticeship?
This could engender a great deal of controversy because a number of unions have very settled attitudes on the question of apprenticeship, and apprenticeship intake from the point of view of national planning would need consultation with the craft unions and any changes would require the agreement of the craft unions.
Would the Minister consider taking the initiative?
This is an area in which the main object is to be successful. What the Deputy suggests would require the support and co-operation of the unions after consultation. The Deputy may be assured that I would possibly have the same objective in mind as he has.
Was not agreement reached in the very recent past between the various interested parties and the unions with regard to the training and education of apprentices?
That is true. The Deputy is aware we have had a great deal of co-operation from the unions in regard to improvements. A general restructuring of the system on the lines suggested by Deputy Dr. O'Connell would require fresh consultation and agreement with the craft unions.