Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 June 2012
54 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure to be followed to obtain an apprenticeship in the motor industry in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is currently unemployed and registered with FÁS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30252/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a day-to-day operational matter for FÁS. I am informed by FÁS that in order to become an apprentice applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have attained a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. Where individuals do not meet the minimum educational requirements they may be registered as apprentices by an employer if prospective apprentices have satisfactorily completed an approved preparatory training course and an assessment interview; or being over 18 years of age, have at least 3 years relevant work experience and satisfactorily completed an assessment interview; and where required the prospective apprentice has passed an appropriate colour vision test. Prospective apprentices can obtain information on entry requirements and trades by accessing the adult career guidance service provided through the NEES Employment Services network or the FÁS Services to Business offices located nationwide.
However, to register as an apprentice the prospective apprentice must first obtain employment in their chosen occupation. Under the statutory rules of apprenticeship all employers are required to register their apprentices with FÁS within two weeks of commencing employment. Furthermore, any employer wishing to register an apprentice must be able to satisfy FÁS that the employer is capable of providing access to the range of work specified in the curriculum for that trade, as well as the necessary tools and equipment. The employer must be able to provide a suitably qualified and experienced craftsperson to oversee the training and work of the apprentice as well as a suitable person approved by FÁS to carry out the specified assessments required to establish an apprentice's competence.
According to FÁS records the individual in question registered with his local NEES Employment Office on 19 January 2012 at which point he would have received a guidance interview. Since his NEES registration he has been met on two further occasions and received update guidance interviews, on 28th February and 25th May 2012. I understand that the FÁS/NEES — Client Services System records currently indicate that the individual in question has not declared his interest in becoming an apprentice. He should contact his local NEES Employment Office to update his records accordingly.
