Young apprentices will benefit from Fianna Fáil plans for training

Date: 06/02/2011
Posted by: Darragh

Apprentices who have been made redundant are being given the opportunity to complete their training under a €7 million scheme which will fund 1,000 places in the public and private sectors.

We have changed the method of support, making it more attractive and affordable for employers to take on a redundant apprentice. It was the case that FÁS provided a €250 weekly wage contribution to an employer who has taken a redundant apprentice on a work placement. The employer would then bring the apprentice’s wages up to agreed industry rates dependant on their phasing. However Fianna Fáil has ensured that employers will not have to supplement a redundant apprentice’s wages and instead FAS will pay a standard training rate to all apprentices irrespective of their employer being in the public or private sector.

The weekly training rates are: €260 (Phase 3), €350 (Phase 5) and €400 (Phase 7).

As a direct result of Fianna Fáil’s commitment to education and training, the Redundant Apprentices Placement Scheme is being expanded to encompass work placement in the public as well as the private sector.

Public sector employers such as the Health and Safety Executive, the local authorities and the Office of Public Works are now included in order to provide the widest possible range of employers. They are in a position to give redundant apprentices on-the-job placements at Phases 3, 5 and 7 of the apprenticeship cycle.

We have taken this action in recognition of the fact that less private sector businesses are in a position to take on apprentices.

Fianna Fáil is committed to ensuring all our young people have an opportunity to complete their training and put them in the strongest possible position to benefit from the recovery in the economy. We have clear and realistic plans for sustainable job creation and we want as many people as possible to benefit from these opportunities.