Terence Flanagan
Ceist:108 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he will take on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15920/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 21 April 2010
Ceisteanna (74)
Freagraí scríofa
Statutory Apprenticeship in Ireland is organised by FÁS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, employers and unions. Apprenticeship is a demand-driven educational and training programme for employed people aimed at developing the skills of the apprentice to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. The Apprenticeship system is a modular standards-based system generally comprising 7 alternating phases of on-the-job and off-the-job training and development. These alternating phases consist of 3 off-the-job and 4 on-the-job training phases.
FAS already operates a number of measures in support of redundant apprentices including a new Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme. These measures are detailed in the reply to Parliamentary Questions No. 12629-12633 of 2010.
However, should a Local Authority be considering a scheme to refurbish local authority housing and to engage redundant apprentices to do so, it would be necessary for the Local Authority to:
Directly employ and fund the apprentices to undertake the relevant on-the-job training and assessments.
Directly employ suitably qualified craftpersons to train, supervise and carry out the necessary assessments for the apprentices.
Provide a range of work and access to materials, tools and equipment for the apprentices in order to complete the specific on-the-job assessments for the relevant trade
Ensure that relevant project management and professional expertise is provided to ensure that relevant standards, building regulations and health and safety requirements are met.
These are matters to be considered by individual local authorities in the first instance.