Information News
Please be aware that information on this website is subject to change. Qualification for a course or entitlement varies depending on individual circumstances. For further information or clarification, contact your local Adult Guidance Initiative, or your local Social Welfare Office.
Recent developments in adult education
Budget 2012
Key changes affecting adult learners and the adult education sector include:
€20 million to be provided under the National Training Fund for a new Labour Market Activation Fund. This fund which will be specifally targeted at people who are long term unemployed will deliver over 6,500 places in 2012.
€10 million to be allocated to the Springboard initiative to increase the part time hgiher education opportunities for unemployed people.
No maintenance grants for new postgraduate entrants from the academic year 2012/13.
A reduction of 3% to the rates of student maintenance grants.
Capitation grants paid for further education programmes (including adult literacy and community education) will be reduced by 2% in each 2012 and 2013 with a further reduction of 1% in each 2014 and 2015.
A reduction in the Cost of Education Allowance payable to people in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance - reduced from €500 to €300.
To read AONTAS response to Budget 2012, visit our blog entry.
Jobs Initiative
In May 2011 the new Government announced a Jobs Iniatitive - which includes measures to inject growth into the economy. Education and training for people who are unemployed forms part of the new Jobs Initiative. The Jobs Initiative commits to providing the following education and training:
-6,000 places on specific skills training courses for people formerly employed in areas experiencing 'structural unemployment' eg construction.
-3,000 additional places through the Back to Education Initiative - targeting adults with less than a Leaving Certificate Qualification.
-5,900 places under a third level Springboard initiative, again targeting people employed in areas now experiencing significant structural unemployment.
In July 2011, the government announced that FÁS would be disbanded. A new agency, called Solas, will be responsible for co-ordinating all further education and training activities. An implementation group appointed by the government is putting together an action plan for this development. Read AONTAS reaction to the development here.
Springboard
At the end of May 2011 Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn announced further details on Springboard and launched the application process. This initiative which is ideally suited to people who have substantial work experience but who need a third level qualification to upskill or retrain in growth areas such as ICT, the Green Economy or the Food and Beverage Industry. Applications must be made through the Bluebrick portal, which also allows learners to compare different courses and search by area.
Read more about the Springboard Initative in the AONTAS Blog.
To find out more about your education and training options visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website.
