Written answers

Thursday, 15 October 2009

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

FÁS Training Programmes

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the unions which have been contracted by FÁS with regard to the union-led learning network; the value and duration of each contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36499/09]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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FÁS has informed me that in September 2007 it awarded a number of contracts under the union learning networks programme. That support was provided under the Strategic Alliances Initiative for projects to train low-skilled workers and to promote life-long learning. This is in line with the provisions of Towards 2016.

These projects provide for the development of a regional infrastructure to recruit, train and support voluntary workplace learning advocates whose job is to then encourage the vocational development of their low skilled colleagues. In this regard, the voluntary workplace learning advocates must identify the training needs of the learner. The voluntary workplace learning advocates are identified mainly, though not exclusively, by local employee committees and in consultation with employers. The voluntary workplace learning advocate generally undertakes 5 days of training in advocacy skills and approaches that leads to a FETAC NFQ Level 5 qualification. Details of the union learning network programmes are set out in the Annex.

The ICTU contract to date has involved the recruitment of 8 Regional Co-ordinators to promote the programme and build relationships with unions and employers. In turn, the recruitment and training of the workplace learning advocates is now gathering momentum and is on target for completion within the deadline. As a direct follow on from the ICTU training of workplace learning advocates, some 1,200 low-skilled learners have already undertaken learning courses to date.

As a result of the SIPTU training of 50 workplace learning advocates the training needs of over 800 low-skilled workers have been assessed to date. A separate contract between FÁS and SIPTU to the value of €1,321,583 provides for the delivery of courses by SIPTU's IDEAS Training Institute to learners. 350 learners have received training to date.

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