Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
184. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the way the continuance of the current P-Tech programme in Dublin’s NEIC programme will be supported by the Government now that the pilot programme has ended and the programme has demonstrated its success for the 5 P-Tech schools through internal and external evaluation; and the longer-term plan for the expansion of the P-Tech programme. [22281/24]
View answerIn July 2016, the Government launched a major initiative for Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC) to oversee the long term, social and economic regeneration of the area. The Mulvey Report entitled “Dublin’s North East Inner City – Creating a Brighter Future” was published in February 2017 and made a number of recommendations. As part of this response, in November 2018 the P-TECH pilot programme was launched within schools in the NEIC.
The P-TECH pilot project is now in operation across five NEIC post-primary schools, with multiple partners supporting the programme. It is an education initiative that combines post-primary school with elements of further education and workplace experience. It requires a three-way partnership between a school, higher/further education institution and industry partner. It includes a structured workplace learning strand with mentoring, worksite visits, speakers, and project days. Whilst the acquisition of relevant IT skills in key areas are included in the course work, the model also seeks to encourage and develop students’ problem solving and creativity and places emphasis on teamwork, collaboration and communication skills. Students involved in the programme work towards the achievement of a “Special Purpose Award”, equivalent to 10 credits at QQI Level 6.
The P-TECH project is still a pilot programme funded by my Department. Just last month the first cohort of P-TECH students graduated with their P-TECH Special Purpose Awards. These students began their P-TECH journey back in 2019 when they were in second year in post-primary. This was a key milestone for these students and for the P-TECH pilot project as a whole.
I am pleased to say that the P-TECH pilot project will continue in the five NEIC post-primary primary schools for the 2024/25 school year.
My Department is committed to supporting a quality and inclusive school system that provides an equal opportunity at success for all children, including those at risk of educational disadvantage. In line with the Programme for Government, the Government is continuing to examine how the model of intervention in the NEIC could be extended to other comparative areas experiencing disadvantage.
