Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 4

Written Answers. - Accreditation of In-House Training.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

22 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will introduce a certificate system which audits and accredits in-house training provided by businesses which would improve the technical standards and expertise of their employees. [8096/95]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

FÁS, using its statutory powers of certification, already assesses and certifies skills acquired in on-the-job training.

The new standards based apprenticeship system places increased emphasis on the apprentice's on-the-job training. Assessment procedures are prescribed and must be completed for the award of the national craft certificate.

Accreditation of prior learning (APL), which provides for certification of skills acquired outside formal courses, is becoming increasingly important. Certification, using APL, can be achieved by two alternative methods (a) portfolio development and (b) formal assessment using the same assessments as would be used in a formal training course. FÁS have used both these methods in pilot projects and this work is being further developed. The development of skills acquired in the workplace is one of my priority policy objectives and the forthcoming White Paper on Training will highlight the need for due recognition to be given to skills acquired in this way. This will be an important element in my proposals to improve the skills base in Irish industry.