John Ellis
Ceist:124 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has regarding the upgrading of national certificate courses at regional technical colleges. [23708/96]
Written Answers. - National Certificate Courses.
Each of the 11 regional technical colleges offers a range of courses leading to the awards of the National Council for Educational Awards. These are the national certificate, the national diploma, the bachelor degree, the master degree and the PhD degree. Together they comprise a ladder of progression enabling students to progress from one award level to the next.
National certificates have been granted by the NCEA each year since 1972 and holder of this award have a very good record in terms of gaining relevant employment and progressing to higher level awards. It is also of value to students who receive awards from the National Council for Vocational Awards as these students may gain exemptions from parts of a national certificate and so progress on the ladder of higher education in accordance with their abilities. I have no plans to alter the very positive thrust of the developments in this area.