Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to liaise with the educational and training sectors with a view to maximising job opportunities for apprentices, those who have not yet completed their apprenticeship and those seeking such placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29124/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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FÁS has the statutory responsibility for the organisation and control of designated apprenticeship. FÁS does this in co-operation with my Department, the Institutes of Technology, employers and unions. Redundant Apprentices may register with their local FÁS Employment Services Office to avail of information on job vacancies. Information on job vacancies may also be accessed by telephoning FÁS Jobs Ireland at Free Phone 1800 611 116 or on the FÁS website at www.fas.ie. In addition, the following initiatives have been taken by FÁS to enable registered redundant apprentices to progress in their apprenticeships:

Change in Progression Rules

Redundant apprentices are now permitted to progress to their next off-the-job phase of their apprenticeships even though they have not yet completed their previous on-the-job phase.

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.

Competency Determination Mechanism

FÁS has introduced a Competency Determination Mechanism for the trades of Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering and Plumbing. This scheme is for 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme

Redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phase 1 to Phase 7 (or Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments) of their apprenticeships excluding the trades of Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering and Plumbing but who have not completed the statutory 4 years in employment as apprentices may be granted an exemption from this requirement by validating their competence under the Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme. FÁS will invite eligible redundant apprentices to submit a portfolio of evidence of trade related work experience gained at home and/or abroad and/or trade related further training and/or education undertaken during periods of redundancy.

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.

Refresher Programme for Redundant Referred Apprentices

To assist referred apprentices who wish to progress, FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have developed a short duration programme to prepare redundant apprentices to repeat their outstanding assessments, and this programme will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in Term 1 – 2011/2012

Léargas has provided support to FÁS for apprentices to complete on-the-job training with assessment with employers in Germany and Finland. In the period 2009/2010 over 100 apprentices have undertaken the programme and FÁS has received approval for a further 43 redundant apprentice placement in 2011/2012

Conversion Programme – Electrical / Plumbing

FÁS has developed a Conversion Programme for redundant Electrical and Plumbing apprentices who have worked primarily in the Construction Sector to undertake additional training in modules associated with the Manufacturing and Facility Maintenance Sectors. The pilot programme provides a combination of off and on-the-job training in a FÁS Training Centre and with work experience in the Manufacturing and Facility Maintenance Sectors.

Fee Waiver Scheme

Course fees will be waived for redundant apprentices who attend FÁS day and/or evening courses in order to enhance their employable skills.

Training Sector/Employer Contact

FÁS is in regular contact with the Higher Education Authority, Construction Industry Federation, County & City Managers Association, TEEU, ESB Networks and other employers to request assistance for redundant apprentices to obtain on-the-job training with assessments and other training supports.

My Department along with FÁS will continue to explore ways to support and assist apprentices to progress and finish their apprenticeships.