Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

859. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures in place for a pipe fitter and welder to obtain recognition of prior learning. [21745/20]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Pipefitting is a recognised craft apprenticeship in Ireland leading to a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate. SOLAS has established Recognition of Prior Learning [RPL] mechanisms which enable an individual, with the appropriate work experience and/or qualifications, to gain access to an apprenticeship programme and/or provide exemptions from the respective craft apprenticeship.

To have prior learning recognised for the purposes of accessing the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Pipefitting an individual must have three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity, accepted by SOLAS. The proposed apprentice must also have obtained employment with a recognised employer.

Once registered with an appropriate Education and Training Board (ETB), the apprentice can request the support of an Authorised Officer in the ETB to have their formal, non-formal and informal awards and work experience considered for exemptions from a programme through the submission of a portfolio of evidence relevant to the respective craft apprenticeship. On receipt of a portfolio SOLAS engages the services of a subject matter expert to map the portfolio to the precise requirements of the relevant craft apprenticeship.

Welding is not a designated apprenticeship. Welding courses are run in the ETB Training Centres countrywide and recognition of prior learning for the purposes of the course is a matter for each ETB.