Written answers

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Department of Education and Skills

FÁS Training Programmes

5:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the completion of an apprenticeship in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [5971/12]

Photo of Ciarán CannonCiarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that in order to qualify as a craftsperson, an apprentice must be employed by a FÁS approved employer and complete all seven alternating on-the-job and off-the-job phases of their apprenticeship, which is a minimum of four years (208 weeks) in duration from the date of registration, as well as achieving the qualifying standard throughout their apprenticeship.

I have been informed by FÁS that an examination of the person in question's apprenticeship records indicates he needs to complete Phase 7 of his apprenticeship and secure another 27 weeks in employment with a FÁS approved employer in order to qualify as a craftsperson.

In these difficult times for apprentices, FÁS has introduced a range of interventions to allow apprentices complete their apprenticeships without undermining the integrity of the apprenticeship system. The current interventions to facilitate redundant apprentices include the following:

- Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme(RAPS) - the RAPS allows redundant apprentices to complete the on-the-job phases of their apprenticeship;

- Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments - applies to redundant apprentices that have successfully completed Phases 1 to Phase 6 of their apprenticeships but have not successfully completed Phase 7;

- Competency Determination Mechanism (CDM) - this mechanism provides redundant apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge against the occupational standard for the specified trade over a number of days in a FÁS Training Centre. This initiative applies to redundant apprentices that have successfully completed the seven training phases of their apprenticeship but do not comply with the minimum time requirement.

The person in question is eligible to participate in the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme. He would be advised to contact his FÁS Training Adviser, Mr. Charlie Walsh on 087 7444537 to discuss the options available to him. Furthermore, he can register with his 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 Freephone 1800 611 116 or on the FÁS website at www.fas.ie.

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