Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
640. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the decision was made to stop Leaving Certificate programmes in VTOS centres throughout Ireland; the reason for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46296/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is an educational opportunities scheme that aims to provide second chance education to people who have been unemployed for at least six months. Operated through local Education and Training Boards (ETBs), VTOS provides learners opportunities to improve their general level of education, gain certification, develop their skills and prepare for employment, self-employment and/or further education and training. VTOS is offered in two forms: VTOS core (offered in a VTOS centre or Adult Education Centre) and dispersed VTOS (where participants may be in a group of VTOS students and students on other courses / programmes).
The content of VTOS programmes is a matter for the individual ETBs. While some VTOS centres continue to offer Leaving Certificate programmes others have moved to delivering QQI Certification for transfer and progression opportunities.
The Further Education and Training Strategy Future FET:Transforming Learning proposes a new Level 5 and Level 6 provision that will have a core brand, focused on the discipline/the career and NFQ level, and be linked to regional skills needs and clear employment or progression outcomes. This will support the wider agenda for integration and consolidation of provision across FET.
