Vol. 502 No. 3
53 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has regarding a certification for training for small enterprises that would support the provision of high quality efficient market led vocational education and training programmes; his views on whether a national assessment and certification system is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4259/99]
The Qualifications (Education and Training) Bill, 1999, was published earlier this month and is being considered by Seanad Éireann.
The Bill, inter alia, will establish two new awarding councils, the Council for Further Education and Training Awards and the Council for Higher Education and Training Awards. Under the Bill both of these councils will have the power to validate programmes of education and training and make awards in respect of such programmes. A programme of education and training in the Bill is defined in broad terms as “any process by which learners may acquire knowledge, skill or competence and includes courses of study or instruction, apprenticeships, training and employment”. The aim therefore is that national certification will be available for learning relevant to work, including work-based learning.
