Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 146: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the apprenticeship retention programme within FÁS; the steps she is taking to ensure that apprentices who are being let go by their sponsors can finish their apprenticeships; the further steps she is taking to ensure that apprentices who are being let go by their sponsors can qualify with a qualification even if they may not get to finish their full apprenticeship which is out of their control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12629/10]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 147: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding for the apprenticeship retention programme to make sure that these apprenticeships are able to finish their training and work placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12630/10]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 148: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to address the situation that many FÁS apprentices find themselves in having being let go without completing their formal qualifications. [12631/10]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 149: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of apprentices within six to 12 months of completion of their apprenticeship without a job placement; the type of apprenticeship involved; the cost to subsidise these work placements to encourage sponsors to keep apprentices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12632/10]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 150: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans for apprentices who have been unable to complete their training due to the unavailability of work placements; the way they can continue their apprenticeships; the number of apprentices that have had their apprenticeships on hold in the past 18 months due to this situation; the cost to subsidise these work placements to encourage businesses to sponsors apprentices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12633/10]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 150, inclusive, together.

FÁS has already put the following measures in place to assist redundant apprentices:-

1. FÁS has put in place an interim measure whereby redundant apprentices may progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, in line with current scheduling criteria. In 2009, over 2,000 redundant apprentices were provided with off-the-job training. To date in 2010, 1,041 redundant apprentice commenced off-the-job training in January 2010, and 1,008 are currently being scheduled to commence in April 2010 Phase 4 and Phase 6 off-the-job training in the Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education

2. In 2009, FÁS introduced a temporary Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme for apprentices made redundant in the Construction Industry. Over 460 redundant apprentices completed Phase 3, 5 and 7 on-the-job training and assessments with employers under this Scheme in 2009. A new Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme which will replace the Rotation Scheme in 2010, is under development and this will assist redundant apprentices to complete the on-the-job training of their apprenticeships with a FÁS approved employer. The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme is expected to provide 750 places for redundant apprentices to commence on-the-job training at Phase 3 and Phase 5 during 2010 based on applications from eligible employers. A budget of €3.875m has been allocated to the scheme.

3. A joint ESB Networks / FÁS programme commenced in March 2009 where on-the-job training with ESB Networks is provided to eligible redundant apprentices at Phases 5 and 7 of their apprenticeship. This programme will provide up to 400 places over a period of 18 months and is funded by ESB Networks. To date, 184 redundant apprentices have completed training, 106 are currently in training, and further placements will take place during 2010.

4. FÁS has also developed Phase 7-equivalent assessments for redundant apprentices at the final phase of their apprenticeship in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying and Plastering. Redundant Apprentices are being scheduled to the assessments events in accordance with the scheduling calendar.

5. Redundant apprentices registered for 4 years who have successfully completed all Phases 1-7 of their apprenticeship, but have not yet completed the required 4 years in employment as an apprentice in the specified trade, will be contacted by FÁS to submit a portfolio of evidence under Recognition of Prior Learning for consideration by the National Apprenticeship Advisory Sub-committee for the award of the Advanced Craft Certificate.

6. Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing trade-related specific skills training courses to enhance their employable skills. They may also avail of the range of trade-related evening courses available in FÁS Training Centres.

In response to Question Number 149, the numbers and apprenticeship types of those apprentices within six to 12 months of completion of their apprenticeship without a job placement are set out in the Appendix.

In response to Question Number 150, the number of apprentices recorded as redundant in 2008 and who currently have the same status / phase is 645.

APPENDIX - REDUNDANT APPRENTICES within 6 to 12 months of completion of apprenticeship *