Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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84. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering can be made available in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52391/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which persons are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by SOLAS 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.solas.ie along with eligibility requirements.

To be registered as an apprentice, a person must first must obtain employment as an apprentice in their chosen occupation. Some apprenticeship job vacancies are advertised on the Department of Social Protection website, www.welfare.ie , under the section titled "Jobseekers". The individual in question may also contact their local SOLAS Training centre to discuss the Standards Based Apprenticeship Scheme.