Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the accreditation system with regard to post leaving certificate courses and apprenticeships in order to take account of those who have completed PLC's and take up apprenticeships and who do not have as long to complete it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19811/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Apprentices, who have previous trade related work experience and or trade related national or international qualifications, may apply for a training phase exemption up to and including Phase 5 of an apprenticeship programme by completing an Exemptions Application Form and submitting with a portfolio of evidence to FÁS for consideration.

The recently announced Government "Action Plan for Jobs" confirmed a commitment to review our apprenticeship model this year. The intention is to provide an updated model of training that will deliver the necessary skilled workforce to service the needs of a rapidly changing economy. My Department has begun work on a paper setting out the various issues, including those referred to in the Deputy's question, which will form the basis of a consultation process, as part of this overall review.