AONTAS Voices Support for Combat Poverty Pre-Budget Submission
31 Oct 2007 11:40 AM
AONTAS believes it is essential that a large pool of qualified workers is necessary to strengthen and develop the Irish economy. The National Skills Strategy reports that we need to support 330,000 people who have not completed second level education to move at least one level up in the National Qualification Framework, with a further 170,000 needing to upskill to level 6-10. According to AONTAS Director Berni Brady 'While AONTAS recognises the need to support learners in receipt of social welfare payments, we are also concerned about those learners who are on the minimum wage and wish to pursue third level education but are prevented from doing so by financial constraints.'
For further information, please contact
Niamh Farren: Communications Officer. AONTAS
01 406 8220
087 911 0569
ENDS
Note to Editors
1. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. AONTAS is a non-government membership organisation, established in 1969. The organisation's mission is to ensure that every adult in Ireland has access to appropriate and affordable learning opportunities throughout their lives, thus enabling them to contribute to and participate in the economic, social, civic and cultural development of Irish society. AONTAS is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. AONTAS represents over 600 members, ranging from statutory providers of adult education, such as VECs and third level institutions, to voluntary providers of community education, to individual adult learners and those with a general interest in adult education. The role of AONTAS is to work towards improving the adult education sector in Ireland through policy development, promoting the benefits of adult education and research.
2. The National Framework of Qualifications identifies ten levels which incorporates awards made for all kinds of learning wherever it is gained. The framework allows learners to plan their education and training and assists employers to identify the skills they require.
