Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
132. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the plans she has to enable FÁS apprentices complete their apprenticeships when they cannot access work experience and complete the required practical experience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40368/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that if a FÁS registered apprentice's employment 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 DSP Employment Services Office for assistance in securing new employment to enable him/her to continue their apprenticeship training. Information regarding employment vacancies can also be accessed by telephoning Jobs Ireland at Freephone 1 800 611 116. 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..In addition, in order to assist redundant apprentices to complete their apprenticeships, FÁS has put the following interim measures in place:-1. Apprentices who are made redundant may progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, in line with current scheduling criteria. 2. FÁS is providing a temporary Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme, whereby FÁS approved employers in the public and private sectors will provide redundant apprentices with training and assessment on-the-job at Phase 3, Phase 5 and Phase 7 of their apprenticeships. 3. FÁS has introduced a Competency Determination Mechanism (CDM). This mechanism will provide redundant apprentices who have a time deficit in their apprenticeship with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge against the occupational standard for the specified trade over a number of days in a FÁS Training Centre.
