Tallaght AnCO training courses
Colley asked whether Tallaght AnCO trainees were already employed or employer-sponsored; Ahern said most were not, and gave placement figures. Colley’s further question about heavy-vehicle and coach licences was not heard by the Chair.
Could the Minister tell the House whether the AnCO training centre in Tallaght has been involved in training people who are in employment? If so, how many of the total number of trainees last year were employed persons?
Comment on this
I do not believe that any of the 1,700 trainees would have been in employment but I would need to check it. There were 185 first-year off-the-job apprentices included in the figure of 1,700. The courses on offer ranged from employable skills, skills foundation, travellers' workshop, community workshop, community youth training programme and community response. These courses would not have been taken by people in employment.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied that there are no courses being run in Tallaght which are specifically for those who are sponsored by their employers?
Comment on this
Some of the individuals working in Tallaght would be sponsored but I presume they would be first-year apprentices. There are many evening courses available in Tallaght. The vast majority of people taking the courses I have mentioned would not be in employment. Some of the apprentices would be sponsored. The percentage placement of non-sponsored people came to 77 for employable skills and 91 for first-year off-the-job apprentices. The vast majority would not be in employment.
Comment on this
Deputy George Birmingham for a final supplementary. We cannot dwell unduly on one question.