Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan, T.D. today (27 February 2018) welcomed the publication of the final report on the PWA International EGF programme, which is available on www.egf.ie.
PWA International Ltd was an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, which closed in 2015. Ireland sought and received approval for a programme of labour market supports under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) on the basis of the sectoral link between this closure and the closure of Lufthansa Technik Airmotive Ireland International in 2014 which was also based in Rathcoole and the significant SR Technics job losses in Dublin in 2009/2010 (the subject of an EGF programme 2009-2011).
The programme targeted 108 workers and also availed of the option to include a similar number of young people, not in employment, education or training (NEETs). The estimated expenditure under the approved programme was €737,156, assuming full take-up of all funding, with the EU co-financing 60% or €442,293 of the expenditure.
A total of 86 workers and 97 young people were assisted under the EGF programme which is the 10th finalised EGF programme managed by the Department of Education and Skills.
Commenting on the programme’s outcomes, Minister Halligan said,
“I am pleased that the EGF has assisted more than 180 people to upskill and retrain through an innovative mix of mainstream and tailored supports in the areas of guidance, training, second and third level education. While a relatively small programme, the take-up rates were very high and the EU funding available was fully drawn down.
I am also pleased to report that at the end of the programme almost 80% of the former PWA International workers were back in employment and that 30% of the young people have also gained employment. Indeed, today I had the pleasure of presenting award certificates to two of the former PWA International workers who chose to undertake an Aircraft Structures Technician upskilling course at the City of Dublin Education and Training Board. As a direct result of that successful training, these workers have secured re-employment in the aircraft maintenance sector, which is an excellent example of the real value added of EGF support.”
The Minister added that “The EGF is a concrete instrument of solidarity with those across the EU who are adversely affected by globalisation and the economic and financial crisis. Ireland has a significant track record with the EGF, having undertaken 10 programmes since 2009. Over €41.5m of EGF funding has supported these programmes which assisted some 10,200 redundant workers along with over 400 young people not in employment, education or training.”