A presentation of Advanced Craft Certificates, to mark the successful completion of their apprenticeship training, was made to over 120 craftspeople from throughout the Midlands region by Deputy Mary O’Rourke at a ceremony held earlier last Friday October 9 in Mullingar.
At present there are approximately 1,850 apprentices receiving training throughout the Midlands. Speaking at the presentation, Paul O’Toole, director general of FÁS paid particular attention to the fact that the Irish apprenticeship system is now recognised at home and abroad for its quality: “Irish apprentices have successfully and consistently showcased their exceptional skills on both the national and international arena during the Euro Skills and recently held World Skills competition in Calgary, Canada.”
Addressing the apprentices, Deputy O’Rourke said that employers are aware of the constant need for their employees to have the necessary skills to compete and survive in a changing workplace. Deputy O’Rourke added, “There are many opportunities for updating of skills through your employers, Trade Unions, FÁS, the Department of Education and Science, and private providers to aid you where necessary. FÁS has a range of services to support employers and individuals enter the labour market, training, and vocational education, up-skilling, re-skilling, and a whole range of new innovative programmes to deal with current challenges. These initiatives are aimed at improving the skills and qualification levels across our labour force.”
