COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, October 11, 2010
QUESTION NO. 19
QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle
To ask the Manager to provide a detailed update on discussions with FAS, government departments and staff unions regarding the introduction of both a Work Placement Programme and a scheme to allow apprentices to complete their training; and to outline what council work areas are being considered as suitable for introduction of such programmes?
REPLY:
South Dublin County Council in acknowledging and actively seeking to address current rising levels of unemployment in the County see the potential for this Council as a Public Sector employer to propose a model for a work placement programme. The Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government have by letter dated 31st August 2010 given a general sanction to Local Authorities to engage in the provision of Work Placements and state that the aim of the programme is to assist the unemployed to retain their skills levels and/or secure work experience that will assist them in getting a job. They further advise that ‘The placement of individuals under this Programme is not affected by the moratorium on recruitment in the public service’
The FAS Work Placement Programme allows for providers (private or public sector organisations) to temporarily place registered local participants for work placement opportunities. We are in the process of working with FAS to bring this programme to fruition in the County and provide a number of work placements for both graduates and non-graduates.
Following an initial and very productive meeting with FAS in August of this year, detailed proposals have been developed which identify a number of work areas for placement. Job specifications meeting with the FAS requirements have been drawn up for these posts. A further meeting is scheduled with FAS for next week to submit job specifications and agree a date for FAS to commence advertising the available placements. Suitable articipants will then be interviewed by the council in advance of a placement being offered.
The overarching basis of the proposed placement programme in South Dublin County Council will address issues around ‘ the safe place’, the mobility strategy and green energy management.
SDCC is working towards implementing three streams of placements, a public interface based stream addressing tasks to eliminate ‘the cost of yesterday’, an office based stream which would provide support and an office base for this and a third stream of placements based in our associated companies, community centres, Rua Red, Arts Centre, Tallaght Stadium etc.
“The public sector will improve its energy efficiency by 33% and will be seen to lead by example – showing all sectors what is possible through strong, committed action”. We see an opportunity to offer placement in the area of Green Energy Management.
Two placement opportunities have also been specified for co-ordination under the South Dublin County Sports Partnership.
We have no plans at present to enable apprentices to complete their training.