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.