Vol. 411 No. 7
21 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education if she will outline in relation to post leaving certificate courses (a) the number of students enrolled in such courses during the current school year, (b) the type of supervision of course content and standards undertaken by her Department and (c) the procedures for certification of PLC course work; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In 1990-91, 12,769 trainees availed of vocational preparation and training, VPT-2, courses and the number is expected to increase to approximately 13,500 in the current year. VPT-2 is aimed at trainees who have either completed a senior cycle programme or a VPT-1 course but who need further training to enhance their prospects of gaining employment.
Participation by schools in the programme is subject to approval annually by my Department. A range of vocational designations is available to choose from for which syllabus material is provided. As the programme is designed to respond flexibly to local labour market needs, schools also have the option of developing their own programmes, subject to approval by my Department. Delivery of the programme is monitored on an ongoing basis by my Department's inspectorate. At present, each trainee who successfully completes the programme is awarded a certificate by my Department which is supplemented by locally based assessment-certification. However, there is a need for a national performance-based certification system to cater for vocational training courses at this level within the education sector.
Yesterday, I formally launched the National Council for Vocational Awards representative of concerned interests, which will address this issue. The new council will develop and implement a comprehensive system of national certification. In order to ensure that training courses respond to regional, national and international needs, a regional structure will also be established to complement and reinforce the services provided by the national council.
I am glad to hear the information contained in the Minister's reply. I am sure she will agree that post leaving certificate courses are probably the best development in education in recent times. I am glad the Minister is considering the question of certification. These courses are half way between second level and third level education and it is an area which has experienced growth in recent times. Has the Minister taken into consideration the importance of these courses and the necessity of giving students certification on completing their post leaving certificate courses? When does the Minister expect this matter to be finalised?
I accept Deputy Mac Giolla's interest in this matter which we have debated previously in the House at Question Time. He has shown a consistent regard for the need to have national certification. I am glad the body who will implement this certification have been set up. I hope they will put forward proposals to me as quickly as possible. I gave them that brief and I look forward to their submission.
In view of the fact that many of the students who complete PLC courses pursue regional college courses, will the Department consider giving credits to students who have successfully completed such courses when they are trying to gain access to regional colleges?
This is a live issue. All regional colleges and third level Vocational Education Committee colleges are now under the CAO-CAS common admission system. Therefore, this would pose difficulties in relation to the matters the Deputy raised. Vocational Education Committee colleges and regional colleges have always operated a very minute quota for the purposes referred to by the Deputy. There are two schools of thought on this issue: does one discriminate for or against in such circumstances? This matter is under review.
