Assistance for Redundant Apprentices

If a FÁS registered apprentice’s employment has been terminated due to insufficient work being available he/she should:

§ Inform FÁS Services to Business 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.

§ Information regarding employment vacancies can also be accessed by telephoning Jobs Ireland at Freephone 1 800 611 116 or on the FÁS Website (http://www.fas.ie/)

§ Keep FÁS Services to Business informed of all details relating to his/her apprenticeship employment with a FÁS 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 FÁS has put the following interim measures in place :-

1. Apprentices who are made redundant may progress to the next off-the-job training phase of their apprenticeship, in line with current scheduling criteria.
   
   
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 FÁS Training Centres.

3. FÁS has developed Phase 7 (equivalent) assessments for redundant apprentices at the final phase of their apprenticeship in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying, Cabinet Making and Plastering. Redundant apprentices who wish to complete the Phase 7 equivalents are requested to contact their Senior Training Advisor.
   
   
4. FÁS 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 the specified trade over a number of days in a FÁS Training Centre) to enable eligible redundant apprentices initially in the trades of Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering, and Plumbing to progress towards the completion of their apprenticeship.
   
   

Those who successfully pass the Competency Determination Mechanism will be progressed for the award of the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate – Craft.

Eligibility for Competency Determination Mechanism

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 FÁS inviting them to register their interest in participating in CDM.

5. 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 and the trades accommodated through the Competency Determination Mechanism ; Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering, and Plumbing) will be contacted by FÁS 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.
   
   

6. Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme

For further information on the scheme Redundant Apprentices should contact their Local FÁS Services to Business office, details below