Question:
235 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who have dropped out of post leaving certificate courses in 1998 and 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12287/00]
Written Answers. - Post Leaving Certificate Courses.
PLC courses offer integrated general education, vocational training and work experience for those who have completed senior cycle or equivalent.
The drop out rates from post leaving certificate courses during 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 are 22.45%, 23.81% and 16.59% respectively. Of those who left the 1998-99 programme early, approximately half did so to take up employment or further education or training. Some 39.33% progressed to employment and 9.04% progressed to further education or training at the stage of leaving the course. The pattern of drop out has been consistent at around 23% for a number of years and the indications are that the 16.59% rate for 1998-99 is the result of incomplete statistical returns.
Significant investment has been made in recent years in enhancing the quality and accessibility of these courses through the introduction of national assessment and certification under the National Council for Vocational Awards in 1994, the abolition of fees in 1995 and the introduction of a maintenance grant scheme for the first time in 1998.
As part of the overall strategy to develop a range of alternative routes through which people can progress to higher education, a LINKS scheme has been introduced under which students with NCVA level two awards may progress from PLC courses to selected courses in institutes of technology.
Overall, the latest survey undertaken nationally for outcomes from PLC courses one year after leaving, shows that all but 8.5% progress to employment or further training.