Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
153 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of registered apprentices unemployed in County Wexford; the initiatives that are planned by FÁS to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12695/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 260 unemployed apprentices registered in Co. Wexford. FÁS has already put the following measures in place to assist redundant apprentices:
1. FÁS has put in place an interim measure whereby redundant apprentices may progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, in line with current scheduling criteria. In 2009, over 2,000 redundant apprentices were provided with off-the-job training. To date in 2010, 1,041 redundant apprentices commenced off-the-job training in January 2010, and 1,008 are currently being scheduled to commence in April 2010 Phase 4 and Phase 6 off-the-job training in the Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education.
2. In 2009, FÁS introduced a temporary Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme for apprentices made redundant in the Construction Industry. Over 460 redundant apprentices completed Phase 3, 5 and 7 on-the-job training and assessments with employers under this Scheme in 2009. A new Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme which will replace the Rotation Scheme in 2010, is under development and this will assist redundant apprentices to complete the on-the-job training of their apprenticeship with a FÁS approved employer.
3. A joint ESB Networks / FÁS programme commenced in March 2009 where on-the-job training with ESB Networks is provided to eligible redundant apprentices at Phases 5 and 7 of their apprenticeship. This programme will provide up to 400 places over a period of 18 months and is funded by ESB Networks. To date, 184 redundant apprentices have completed training, 106 are currently in training, and further placements will take place during 2010.
4. FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have agreed the PP5 programme for redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phases 1-4 of their apprenticeship and where an on or off-the-job training opportunity is not currently available to them. The programme has both a Construction Stream and an Engineering Stream, with a number of core skills modules related to apprenticeship and a number of electives in specific skills. The programme provides apprentices with a Level 5 FETAC award and allows for access and transfer of credits to other post-apprenticeship programmes. The Institutes of Technology are currently providing training to eligible redundant apprentices who responded to invitations issued in January 2010 by the Institutes of Technology providing the programme.
5. FÁS has also developed Phase 7-equivalent assessments for redundant apprentices at the final phase of their apprenticeship in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying and Plastering. Redundant Apprentices are being scheduled to the assessments events in accordance with the scheduling calendar.
6. Redundant apprentices registered for 4 years who have successfully completed all Phases 1-7 of their apprenticeships, but have not yet completed the required 4 years in employment as an apprentice in the specified trade, will be contacted by FÁS to submit a portfolio of evidence under Recognition of Prior Learning for consideration by the National Apprenticeship Advisory Sub-committee for the award of the Advanced Craft Certificate.
7. Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing trade-related specific skills training courses to enhance their employable skills. They may also avail of the range of trade-related evening courses available in FÁS Training Centres. FAS has advised that where the employment of a FÁS registered apprentice has been terminated due to insufficient work being available, he/she should:
Inform FÁS Services to Business immediately of his/her redundant status Register with the local FÁS Employment Services Office for assistance in securing new employment to enable him/her to continue their apprenticeship training.
Access information regarding employment vacancies by telephoning FÁS Jobs Ireland at Freephone 1 800 611 116 or on the FÁS Website (www.fas.ie) Keep FÁS Services to Business informed of all details relating to his/her apprenticeship employment with a FÁS approved employer so that this time may be credited in calculating the finish date of his/her apprenticeship.
It is important to point out that the onus is on redundant apprentices themselves to inform FÁS Services to Business immediately of his/her redundant status and register with their local FÁS Employment Services Office. Otherwise, the redundant apprentice may lose out on invaluable assistance in securing new employment which would enable him/her to continue their apprenticeship training.
