Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Given the significant reduction in construction-related activity and the subsequent increase in the numbers of construction workers who have been made redundant, I am very conscious of the need to try to accommodate apprentices in the completion of their apprenticeships. To achieve this, both my Department and FÁS have been actively examining this issue and we propose a series of actions to facilitate redundant apprentices in completing their studies. These include the following: through its employment services division, FÁS will focus on assisting redundant apprentices to source employment in order that they can complete their apprenticeship by receiving the appropriate on-the-job training and undertake the associated competence-based assessments; and FÁS will also allow apprentices who are made redundant to progress to their next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, without having to do the next on-the-job phase first. A regional register of redundant apprentices is being established by FÁS. Employers who are considering recruiting apprentices will be requested to consider the employment of redundant apprentices listed on the register. The Construction Industry Federation and FÁS are meeting to resolve a number of issues in the construction sector, including redundant apprentices. FÁS will explore with the relevant authorities the accreditation of the on-the-job work experience and competency-based assessments where the apprentice has obtained employment abroad. My Department and FÁS will continue to monitor trends and activities in the industry and will work with all of the relevant stakeholders to ensure timely and satisfactory responses to assist redundant apprentices to complete their apprenticeships.

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