IN AUGUST last year, five more apprenticeships were converted to the new standards based training system, bringing the total to 24. Essentially, all of the major, active trades are now operating the new training system as opposed to the older time served system.

The standards based apprenticeships follow a sandwich structure, with four periods on the job alternating with three off. The off-the job training is provided by FAS and the regional technical colleges or the Dublin Institute of Technology. In all, the off the job training accounts for a maximum of 40 weeks.

While apprentices are on the job, employers carry out competency tests and apprentices must complete each task correctly twice before they are deemed to have passed

As well as changing the course structure, revisions have also been made to some of the conditions of entry, with the age limit going up by one year, to 16, while the number of grade Ds required in the Junior Certificate has been increased to five.

However, intending apprentices should note that the standard set down by FAS is a minimum standard. Up to 80 per cent of entrants in some apprenticeships now have a good Leaving Cert. It is worth noting that FAS accepts foundation level maths, but some employers, sued as the ESJ3, do not. As an aspiring apprentice applies loan employer, rather than to FAS, the employer's standards are the relevant ones.

How is the new training system for apprentices working out? Gregory Craig, a spokesperson for FAS, says that "it is too early to arrive at meaningful judgements on the new system, which spans a four year apprenticeship - the major trades such as electrician and carpenter/ joiner, have been implemented for less than a year and even the earliest cohorts in the smaller trades, which started in late 1993, will not complete the programme until late next year.

However, the feedback from employers and apprentices has been very positive, he says. "Most reports, including an independent survey commissioned by FAS, express a high level of satisfaction with the new apprenticeship, and employers have commented that apprentices are producing better quality and are developing a more positive attitude," Craig adds.

However, not all employers are happy. The transition to the new apprenticeship has drawn some criticism from the Society of the Irish Motoring Industry. Cyril McHugh, chief executive with SIMI, has said that it is not working out. Its members, he says, are unhappy with the lengthy release and the work ethic with which the students return. There is a tempo and pace to work in the garage that has been lost, he adds.

FAS contends that in the development of the new scheme there was extensive consultation with the industry.

Craig says that the operation of the new system is being closely monitored. FAS, in collaboration with the social partners, will take "whatever steps are necessary to fine tune the system in the light of the practical experience of it".

Although the emphasis has been mainly on converting existing apprenticeships to the new standards based training, the possible extension of apprenticeships to additional occupations is being examined by FAS. A pilot apprenticeship in floor/wall tiler commenced in July this year. This pilot will influence later decisions about the possible designation of the occupation for apprenticeship, says Craig.

In September 1994, Mary O'Rourke, then Minister of State for Labour Affairs, was photographed having her hair cut in celebration of the announcement of plans for the designation of hairdressing as a FAS apprenticeship. This would have been a landmark departure: hairdressing would be the first services sector occupation where qualifications would be achieved through a recognised apprenticeship scheme.

However, Mary O'Rourke's celebratory trim has long grown out and hairdressing is still not a designated apprenticeship. It would appear that the length of off the job training and funding are the two main stumbling blocks. Discussions and development work for a possible apprenticeship in hairdressing are ongoing, according to FAS.

Apprenticeships are often seen as a last male bastion, with the combination of physical and technical work inhibiting women from applying. The proportion of women being recruited as apprentices, at around 1 per cent, is still a matter for concern, Craig says. "However, FAS is continuing to promote the recruitment of women as apprentices and has continued to offer a bursary to employers to encourage an increased level of women apprentices," he explains.

The bursary provides a total grant of £2,400 to each employer who recruits a woman apprentice. FAS also provides preparatory training courses, which help prepare women to train and work in a traditionally male environment.

Second level students seeking an apprenticeship must first find an employer willing to take them on. FAS keeps a register of people seeking apprenticeships, which it supplies to employers on request, so your local FAS office would be a good starting point.