Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 243: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprentices currently with FÁS who are now redundant on the basis that they cannot obtain a placement to complete their apprenticeship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22532/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 7,453 apprentices are currently registered by FÁS as redundant. The following measures have been initiated to support 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, 2,523 redundant apprentices commenced off-the-job training and of these 1,251 have completed phase 4 and phase 6 off-the-job training in the Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education.

2. FÁS in 2009 introduced a temporary Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme for apprentices made redundant in the Construction Industry whereby the vacancy arising from the release of the employed apprentice to a scheduled phase 4 and phase 6 off-the-job training phase was filled by a redundant apprentice who thereby gained on-the-job training. Over 460 redundant apprentices completed Phase 3, 5 and 7 on-the-job training and assessments with employers under this Scheme in 2009. The Redundant Apprentices Placement Scheme replaced the Rotation Scheme for 2010 and was launched in April 2010 by FÁS. The scheme with an allocation for 2010 of almost €4m will provide up to 750 apprentices with the opportunity to complete their on-the-job training at Phases 3 and 5 with the support of employers with a proven past record of providing consistent systematic training.

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 236 (104 Phase 5 and 132 Phase 7) redundant apprentices have completed training, 99 (53 Phase 5 and 46 Phase 7) are currently in training and a further 65 Phase 7 redundant apprentices will commence in July 2010

4. FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have agreed the PP5 programme for redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phases 1 – 4 of their apprenticeship and where an on or off-the-job training opportunity is not currently available. The programme has both a Construction Stream and an Engineering Stream, with a number of core skills modules related to apprenticeship and a number of electives in specific skills. The programme provides apprentices with a Level 5 FETAC award and allows for access and transfer of credits to other post-apprenticeship programmes. The Institutes of Technology are currently providing training to eligible redundant apprentices who responded to invitations issued in January 2010.

5. 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. To date, 39 redundant apprentices have completed assessments, 30 are currently undertaking assessment, and FÁS is inviting a further 351 to undertake Phase 7 assessments

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Under the EU Leonardo da Vinci III Lifelong Learning Programme, Léargas in collaboration with FÁS, has supported 45 apprentices to date to complete their final on-the-job work placement in companies abroad. 36 redundant apprentices are scheduled for on-the-job work placements by the end of 2010 and a further 15 during the first half of 2011.