TÁNAISTE PRESENTS FÁS TRAINEE AND APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARDS AT FÁS TRAINING CENTRE, WATERFORD

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Thursday, 9th July 1998) presented the FÁS Trainee and Apprentice of the Year Awards to trainees and apprentices of the FÁS Waterford and Wexford Training Centres. The awards were co-sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

The Tánaiste also presented Certificates to employees of local and regional industries who completed courses at the Waterford Centre in Computer Aided Engineering, and Information Technology Coding and Programming.

Speaking at the ceremony the Tánaiste said "I am very happy to be here in Waterford today to present these Trainee and Apprentice of the Year Awards and Certificates to the students of Waterford FÁS Training Centre. I believe that the training provided at the Centres each year is an essential component in the economic development of the South-East Region."

The awards ceremony is a highlight of the Training Centre year and is regarded by parents, employers and staff of the training centres as a focus to acknowledge formally the hard work and effort that has been done by the students concerned.

The Tánaiste said "The last year has seen many changes in FÁS - both in its structure and in the type of programmes and courses delivered. The Government is committed to reviewing the structures of FÁS to ensure that the best possible service is provided to its clients."

The Training Services Unit is currently developing a number of new Traineeship programmes in the area of electronics and engineering and in respect of the services sector. These courses are being developed in partnership with industry.

The Training Services Unit is concentrating this year on providing places for early school leavers and the long term unemployed. These training programmes for this very important client group will assist in seeking sustainable employment. Some of these courses will be run in several locations throughout the South-East Region in order to provided easier access to the courses for people at local level.

Congratulating the award winners the Tanaiste said "Finally I would like to congratulate the award winners here today, the majority of whom have now embarked on careers in industry. I believe that their apprenticeship and training experience will instil a life long commitment to learning and self improvement".

Noel Whitmore, employed by Herbert Livingstone Ltd, Common Quay, Wexford.

Sabrina Wall, employed by Blades Hair salon, 5 The Square, Wexford