New Senator James Carroll proposes mobilising apprentices in national effort

Apprentices should be mobilised in a national effort to help people whose homes and businesses have been damaged by the current flooding, according to new Fianna Fáil Senator James Carroll.

The proposal for a Community Rebuilding Project from the Louth Senator would benefit apprentices who need further work experience to qualify in their chosen trades and it would also provide them with invaluable on the job experience.

Apprentices training to be plumbers, electricians, and carpenters should be organised in the project that will benefit the worst areas affected by flooding, he says.

Senator Carroll explained:

“I have submitted my proposal to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD, and I have asked her to consider adjusting the terms of the Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme as part of Government’s response to the flooding crises, while also assisting redundant apprentices.”

Senator Carroll said the amendments that he has proposed would allow registered trainers working in the flood-impacted regions take on increased numbers of redundant apprentices under the scheme.

The Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme, which is run by FÁS, was introduced by the Government to give redundant apprentices the opportunity to complete the on-the-job phase of their apprenticeship. Under the scheme, the Government supports employers to take on a redundant apprentice when the employer’s existing apprentice has been released to attend a scheduled off-the-job phase of apprenticeship. Senator Carroll has asked the Tánaiste to amend the scheme rules to allow employers who are FÁS registered trainers take on additional numbers of redundant apprentices with Government support.

Senator Carroll said; “Thousands of apprentices have been made redundant over the past two years and many are unable to get the required on-the-job work experience to qualify. It is clear that in the flood impacted regions there will be significant demand for carpenters, plumbers and other trades people as communities set about repairing their homes and businesses. A change in the rules could allow the Government to support more apprentices in getting their papers while easing the pressure and costs associated with the repair work that is already getting underway.”

“The Athlone FAS office for instance should use local Athlone apprentices so that the scheme is benefiting as many local people as possible, that is, both local apprentices and the victims of flooding."

Senator Carroll described the proposal as an opportunity for people to recreate the Trojan effort put in by Irish people every year abroad as part of the Niall Mellon Township Trust.

“Irish people travel in their hundreds every year to help build houses as part of the Niall Mellon Irish Township Trust and they can build 200 houses in one week.”

“We have tens of thousands of apprentices out of work and wishing to qualify right now and I think this is an ideal opportunity to get them out working, in the interests of the people in their own communities," he concluded.