Fitzpatrick encourages proposals for the Labour Market Activation Fund

Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North and Convenor of the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee, Michael Fitzpatrick TD has encouraged local submission of proposals to the Labour Market Activation Fund.

“The Labour Activation Fund has been launched by the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD.”

“The Fund, to which the Government has allocated €20 million, is designed to provide training and upskilling for those who are currently seeking work.”

“Any training or education provider in the private, community or voluntary sector can apply and it is targeted towards approximately 3,500 jobseekers.”

“These training and education places are in addition to the 145,000 places that are currently funded through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment.”

“The Fund will specifically target those who have become unemployed due to their sector declining such as construction, retail or manufacturing workers. The under 35s and the long-term unemployed will also be targeted.”

“There will also be a focus on those who have very low levels of education to allow them to do their Leaving Certificate.”

“Losing a job can have a devastating effect and especially when the work environment is changing, it is important that we support people in gaining back their confidence if they have lost it and increase their skills and education to be able to move into a different sector if necessary.”

“Any training or education providers can apply to the Labour Market Activation Fund with their proposal. The tenders need to be returned to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment by Thursday the 8th of April 2010. It is expected that contracts will awarded by the end of April. Further information can be found at www.etenders.gov.ie.”

“This scheme will potentially bring revenue into other training agencies in Kildare. I am pleased that community and voluntary organisations will be able to tender for the work as well as private and public educators as this will increase the training and upskilling options open to local people. I would urge any local organisation or group who think that they might meet the criteria to put forward a proposal to the Fund,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.