Leaving Certificate just the beginning for adult learners
18 Aug 2010 11:59 AM
AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation congratulates all adult learners on the successful completion of their Leaving Certificate this year. The number of adult learners is included in the category of 'External Candidates'. This year the number of external candidates is down - from 4,361 out of 57,455 students in 2009 to 3,737 out of 57,839 in 2010. This represents a slight drop from 7.6% to 6.5%.
Reacting to the figures, Berni Brady said 'There are a number of possible reasons why we can see a slight drop in numbers. Firstly, the area of adult education has expanded and there are a number of different ways that adults can achieve the equivalent of the Leaving Certificate Standard (Fetac Level 4/5) which may be more appropriate to their needs. Secondly, the number of VTOS places, many of which are used to facilitate those who want to do their Leaving Certificate has not been increased, despite a higher demand for places. Finally, callers to our Information Service last year expressed fears over the reintroduction of third level fees, which may have influenced their decision at the time. Thankfully this issue has been put to rest by the Minister yesterday, albeit for the lifetime of the current government.'
A progress report produced by the Department of Education and Science about the National Skills Strategy recently (April 2010) highlighted that 21% of the current labour force had only the equivalent of FETAC Level 1-3 (Junior Certificate and below). The report identified that 'the most significant challenge for the period to 2020 is upskilling those at Level -3 to Levels 4 and 5 (Leaving Certificate Equivalent).
'The focus should not be purely on achieving the Leaving Certificate, but on a broader upskilling agenda in general', added Ms Brady. Adults may have negative experiences of their second level formal education and need access to a range of flexible learning options to help them achieve the Leaving Certificate Equivalent.
Over the past few months the Tánaiste has announced over €30 million of funding for almost 60 new Labour Market Activation Measures. A number of the measures are specifically targeted at people in need of upskiling to FETAC Levels 4 and 5. A new distance learning initiative. 'Write on 4 Work' is being co-ordinated by NALA and commences in October 2010, and will offer a FETAC Level 3 qualification to 500 participants throughout the country.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer
01 406 8220/ 087 911 0569
1. For more information on the National Skills Strategy and the recent Implementation Statement, visit www.education.ie
2. For more information about the Labour Market Activation Measures, visit www.education.ie. A map which shows where many of the current measures are taking place is available at http://www.aontas.com/information/accessmeasuresm.html
3. For more information about 'Write on 4 Work' - visit www.nala.ie.
