Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding FÁS apprentice students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26155/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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FÁS has introduced a number of schemes to assist redundant apprentices to progress their apprenticeships, namely: ? Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2011. With the support of the social partners, FÁS is providing a temporary Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme whereby FÁS-approved employers in the public and private sectors will provide redundant apprentices with training and assessment on-the-job at Phase 3, Phase 5 and Phase 7 of their apprenticeships. The maximum period of placement is 26 weeks at Phase 3 or 26 weeks at Phase 5 or 12 weeks at Phase 7. ? Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments Redundant apprentices in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Cabinet Making, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying and Plastering who have successfully completed Phase 1 to Phase 6 of their apprenticeships but who have not completed on-the-job Phase 7 Assessments and are unable to obtain a FÁS-approved employer to complete Phase 7 assessments, will be scheduled by FÁS to undertake Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments over a period of 4 weeks in a FÁS Training Centre. ? Competency Determination Mechanism. I understand that FÁS is introducing a Competency Determination Scheme for the trades of Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering and Plumbing. Under this Scheme, redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phases 1 to 7 of their apprenticeships, but who do not meet the requirement of having completed the statutory 4 years (208 weeks) in employment as apprentices, will be invited by FÁS to attend a FÁS Training Centre to have their competency assessed.

Redundant apprentices who pass the competency assessment will receive an exemption from this requirement thereby enabling them to complete their apprenticeships and qualify for the award of the FETAC Advanced Certificate – Craft. I understand that apprentices are being scheduled for competency assessments at present. ? Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills. FÁS and the HEA with the Institutes of Technology have developed a post Phase 6 programme for redundant apprentices who wish to access a programme at 3rd level in the Institutes of Technology. Redundant Apprentices who successfully complete this programme will receive a HETAC Special Award Level 3, 30 ECTS Credits. This award should entitle apprentices to enter year 2 of a relevant Higher Certificate (level 6) and in some particular cases may gain entry to Ordinary Degree Programmes Level 7. The Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills (optional) will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in Term 1 – 2011/2012.

I would strongly advise that Redundant Apprentices should contact their FÁS Training Advisor to obtain advice and guidance in relation to the progression of their apprenticeship.