NEARLY 90 per cent of those who took the FAS enterprise scheme in 1994 to develop their entrepreneurial skills are now employed, according to a survey of FAS courses conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
It also found that more than 50 per cent of those who participated in FAS courses in 1994 are working, compared with only 40 per cent in the previous ESRI survey two years ago.
The results of the survey come at a crucial time for the state training agency. Its role is under scrutiny and major changes are anticipated in the forthcoming White Paper on Training, which is expected to be published soon.
The Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC) has been lobbying for employers to be given more direct control over state funding and training for the workforce.
The latest survey, details of which have been seen by The Irish Times, shows considerable improvements on the last study, conducted in 1994. FAS will no doubt use the results to argue that it is the most appropriate and effective training agency in the State.
According to the survey, 54 per cent of people who participated in FAS courses during 1994 were now in employment. A further 17 per cent were attending education or further FAS courses, and 22 per cent were unemployed.
As in previous surveys, the latest ESRI results show that high work placement rates occurred among people on the Specific Skills Training programme, at 75 per cent, and the Job Training Scheme, at 74 per cent.
However, the highest success rate is being achieved in the new enterprise scheme. The study found that 88 per cent of course participants in 1994 are now gainfully employed.
The weak link in FAS training courses has always been the "schemes". The percentage of people who found jobs as a result of participating in the old Social Employment Schemes (SES) was so low that FAS never published figures. However, sources suggest that only 18 per cent of SES trainees ever found work.
Under the Community Employment programme, which replaced SES, the job placement rate is now 36 per cent. The survey also showed that 31 per cent of FAS trainees on CE schemes felt the experience had helped them find a job, while 45 per cent of all trainees felt their training had helped them find work.