Some 700 apprentices were presented with certificates to mark the successful completion of their training at a ceremony this past week.

The newly graduated craftspeople were presented with their Advanced Certificates by the Minister of State for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher, at the SAS Radisson Hotel, Little Island, Cork.

The level of apprentices currently in employment in the South West Region is now approaching 4,500, a reflection on the current demand for skilled persons. It is expected that a moderation in new registrations will take place in the current year therefore it is essential that we continually adapt to the changing labour market needs and the global economy in order to meet the future challenges and maximize opportunities.

Speaking at the presentation the Minister said, "The average unemployment rate is likely to remain below 5% for 2008 as inward-migration slows, while the numbers unemployed are forecast to rise from 99,000 in 2007 to 110,000 in 2008. It is vital that people working in the Construction Industry are fully qualified to deal with the changing labour market environment and to increase the scope of employment opportunities which may present themselves".

The Minister paid particular attention to the fact that the Irish Apprenticeship system is recognized at home and abroad for its quality. A team of 18 apprentices will be representing Ireland in Japan in November, to compete with apprentices from 45 states and 800 other contestants in the World Skills Competition which provides Ireland with an opportunity to benchmark it's skills and build on the success of previous competitions.

Annually FAS in Cork trains in the region of just under 900 apprentices, while there is continued high levels of registration in electrical, carpentry & joinery and plumbing apprenticeships, reflecting the broad demand for these trades.

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