Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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268. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who wishes to complete an apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36905/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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This is a day to day operational matter for FAS.

Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which persons are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by FÁS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system. While there are apprenticeships in the electrical and mechanical sectors, there is no apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering at present. The full list of apprenticeship trades is available at www.fas.ie. Apprenticeship in Ireland is organised by FÁS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, Employer Bodies and Trade Unions. Apprenticeship is a partnership between Employer Bodies, Trade Unions, the Department of Education, FÁS and the Apprentice. Assuming that the individual in question registers as an apprentice, a training allowance will be paid when he attends off-the-job training at phases 2, 4 and 6.

To register as an apprentice the entry requirements are as follows:

1. The prospective apprentice must obtain employment as an apprentice in their chosen occupation.

2. The employer must be approved by FÁS and must register the prospective apprentice as an apprentice with FÁS.

3. The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.

4. The minimum educational requirements are:

- Grade D in Five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, or

- The Successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course, or

- Be over 18 years of age, have at least 3 years work experience approved by FÁS

5. In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by FÁS.

Some apprenticeship job vacancies are advertised on the Department of Social Protection website under the section titled "Jobseekers" which can be accessed at www.welfare.ie. The individual in question may also contact their local FÁS Training centre to discuss the Standards Based Apprenticeship Scheme.