The Minister for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon, T.D., has notified 8,779 construction workers and apprentices made redundant in various areas of the construction sector between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010 of further tailored opportunities for reskilling and upskilling.

These opportunities are being made available with the help of co-financing from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).

Minister Cannon said: "I am pleased that the Government is in a position to offer a number of further supports to this cohort of redundant workers in addition to the training, education and apprenticeship progression measures already provided through exclusively national funding since July 2009.

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"These supports are designed to help redundant construction workers to improve their employability and to increase and broaden their skill sets with a view to their reintegration into the labour market."

The new measures include a tailored career planning course being provided by all Vocational Education Committees and access to EGF training grants for approved courses in private education and with training companies.

The notifications also highlight the wide range of courses being run by FÁS, as well as the services of the City and County Enterprise Boards for those interested in starting their own business.

Only persons who receive a notification will be entitled to apply for these EGF co-financed measures. These persons were included in three applications for assistance from the Fund based on redundancy payments and apprenticeships data held by FÁS. This is in line with the verification and audit requirements of the European Commission which administers the EGF across the EU.

(CD)