Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

63 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of centres here where VTOS programmes are operational; the numbers attending such programmes; the estimated percentage of those attending who have grades of less than junior certificate standard and leaving certificate standard; if his attention has been drawn to the significant numbers of would-be applicants who are excluded from VTOS schemes and programmes; the way in which this is compatible with second chance education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2714/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The vocational training opportunities scheme is operated through the 33 vocational education committees. The latest figures show that there are 99 VTOS centres in operation with a total of 5,174 students in attendance.

The latest complete figures available regarding educational standards of VTOS students on admission to VTOS are those taken on 1 January 2000. Data are currently being complied for 1 January 2001. Returns show that 20.62% had less than junior certificate standard and a further 28.99% had less than leaving certificate standard on entry to the course, that is, 49.61% had less than upper second level education.

There has been an increase in demand for VTOS places in the current academic year. Up to this, the number of places available were considered to be adequate to meet demand on a national level. Unfilled places in some centres have been redeployed to meet emerging needs.

Where demand exceeds supply in certain areas there is the option for applicants on dispersed VTOS programmes to undertake their course of study via the back to education allowance scheme, which is administered by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

In addition to VTOS, 34% of participants on PLC courses are adults over 21 re-entering education. A further 14,591 are participants on free adult literacy programmes, and of the order of 140,600 participants take part in self-funded adult education programmes provided by vocational education committees and community and comprehensive schools.

The National Development Plan 2000-06 identifies the need to expand adult and second chance education and training opportunities. The back to education initiative, as set out in the recent White Paper on adult education, Learning for Life, proposes to expand VTOS, Youthreach, PLC and senior Traveller training programmes on a part-time basis. The intention is that this new initiative will address the increase in demand for places and provide flexibility in provision of programmes to meet the demands of adults wishing to return to education and training. An adult ICT skills programme will form part of the measure, and community education opportunities will also be expanded. A particular priority will be to increase provision at foundation and level 1 or equivalent for those with low skills. This initiative corresponds with an objective of the national development plan to facilitate the development of a system of lifelong learning which includes the provision of accessible and flexible routes of progression in respect of education and training.