Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
501. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he anticipates that further education and training options will be fully integrated within the CAO application system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54159/21]
View answerI was delighted to launch the enhanced CAO website for the 2022 CAO application process on Friday 5th November 2021.
A key goal of my Department is to enhance the visibility of further education and training, or FET, and apprenticeship options for school leavers. To progress this key goal, from 2022, school leavers will be able to explore options across the third level system, whether in higher education, further education or apprenticeship options, from the CAO website.
This initiative comes from the collaboration of a working group comprising representatives of SOLAS, the CAO, ETBI and the ETBs. Within the FET sector, a central portal has been developed to enable learners to apply for their chosen courses, which have been updated in terms of course naming conventions and learner requirements. This is being managed through FETCH / PLSS (which is a central application system for FET courses delivered through Education and Training Boards throughout the country).? Technical experts from SOLAS and the CAO are working together to ensure that technology developed for FET in the short-term aligns with CAO systems to enable integration over time.
The further development and expansion of the CAO FET offers to include wider options will build on the experience of the 2022 application process.
For apprenticeship options, students must first be hired by an approved apprentice employer. There will be a link to a dedicated page on the apprenticeship website which will provide information on how to find an apprenticeship and links to available apprenticeship employment opportunities. There will also be a freephone number available for guidance on apprenticeships which is 1800 794 487 and will be open 12pm-6pm Monday-Friday.
