Written answers

Wednesday, 7 May 2014

Department of Education and Skills

Apprenticeship Programmes

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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75. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprentices registered during each year since 2010; and details of supports available for redundant apprentices. [20525/14]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The number of apprentices registered during each year since 2010 are as follows:

Year: Registrations:
20101,204
2011 1,307
20121,434
20131,479
2014 (YTD 28/4/14) 804

If a SOLAS registered apprentice's employment has been terminated due to insufficient work being available he/she should: inform their SOLAS Training Adviser immediately of his/her redundant status; register with the local Employment Services Office for assistance in securing new employment to enable him/her to continue their apprenticeship training; and keep the SOLAS Training Adviser informed of all details relating to the apprenticeship employment with a SOLAS approved employer so that this time may be credited in calculating the finish date of his/her apprenticeship

To assist redundant apprentices to complete their apprenticeship SOLAS has put the following interim measures in place:

1. Redundant Apprentices will be scheduled to their next off-the-job phase in accordance with existing scheduling criteria based on the longest waiting.

2 Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing skills training courses which enhance their employable skills. They may also avail of the range of night courses which are available in Training Centres.

3. SOLAS has introduced a Competency Determination Mechanism (CDM). This mechanism will provide redundant apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge against the occupational standard for specified trade over a number of days in a Training Centre. Further details are available from the apprentice's SOLAS Training Adviser. Those who successfully pass the Competency Determination Mechanism will be progressed for the award of the Level 6 Advanced Certificate – Craft. To be eligible for the Competency Determination Mechanism, redundant apprentices must meet the following criteria:-

- Be redundant as an apprentice as notified by their employer and be registered with Employment Services and

- Have successfully completed all Phases 1 – 7 inclusive, reaching the minimum standard, and

- Have not completed 4 years in employment as an apprentice in the trade.

Redundant apprentices will receive a letter from SOLAS inviting them to register their interest in participating in CDM.

4. Redundant apprentices registered for 4 years who have successfully completed all Phases 1-7 but have not completed the required 4 years in employment as an apprentice in the trade, (excluding Air Craft Mechanic) will be contacted by SOLAS to submit a portfolio of evidence under Recognition of Prior Learning for consideration by the National Apprenticeship Advisory Sub-committee for the award of the Advanced Certificate – Craft.

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