Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 452: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has been contacted by representatives of apprentice aircraft mechanics or avionics engineers made redundant by a company (details supplied); the steps she has taken to ensure that all apprentices are facilitated in completing their apprenticeships; if, in particular, she has made contact with FÁS, Dublin Institute of Technology or other relevant bodies or companies to ensure that these apprentices can complete their qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26282/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Representations have been made to my Department by individuals formerly employed by SR Technics, by their trade union and by public representatives in relation to the retraining and upskilling of the former workers, including apprentices. A wide range of measures has been initiated through FÁS to support redundant apprentices in completing their apprenticeships. The measures of relevance to apprentice aircraft mechanics are set out below:- 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 the current scheduling criteria. Under this measure, one group of 27 redundant apprentice aircraft mechanics completed a special Phase 4 off-the-job training programme at D.I.T. in September 2009. Another group of 16 redundant apprentice aircraft mechanics completed their Phase 6 off-the-job training in D.I.T. on 11 June 2010. Three redundant apprentice fitters have also completed Phase 4 off-the-job training since September 2009. 2. Redundant apprentices who have been registered for 4 years and 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, are being 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. 3. Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing trade-related specific skills training courses and evening courses available at FÁS Training Centres to enhance their employment skills. 4. The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme will this year 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. FÁS recently received a request from Dublin Aerospace to employ 10 redundant Air Craft Mechanics formerly employed at SR Technics to complete an on-the-job Phase of their apprenticeship with the company. FÁS is currently progressing this request under the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme.

In addition, FÁS is working to accommodate up to 30 additional apprentices with on-the-job training opportunities and I am hopeful that arrangements can be made shortly to bring this to fruition.