Union warns scheme for redundant apprentices is insufficient

THE country’s biggest craft union has said that plans by the Government to tackle the unemployment crisis for apprentices in the construction industry are welcome, but warned it falls well short of what is needed.

On Monday, Tánaiste and Employment Minister Mary Coughlan announced that Fás was to implement an employer-based Redundant Apprentice Rotation scheme in January.

Employers who have a past record of providing consistent systematic training will be asked to provide redundant apprentices with an opportunity to complete their on-the-job phase in carpentry and joinery, electrical employment, plastering, plumbing and bricklaying.