Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his progress to date in introducing an 11-week certified programme for up to 700 redundant apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44921/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Institutes of Technology have developed a new education programme for redundant apprentices, who cannot otherwise secure the job placements required in order to complete their normal apprenticeship programme. The programme focuses on developing core skills in maths, ICT and business in order to facilitate students progressing to other higher education programmes or to completing their apprenticeship at a later stage. Participants will receive a FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Construction Technology or Certificate in Engineering Technology for the programme. The institutes have been working closely with FÁS in making redundant apprentices aware of the scheme. Programmes commenced in a number of Institutes of Technology September 2009. This provision was sufficient to meet immediate demand. The institutes intend to run further programmes in January 2010.