Developments and Current Policy Priorities
In Ireland, Further Education and Training is primarily publicly funded through the Education and Training Boards. Prior to the recent reforms of the FET sector, Government policy for Adult Education in Ireland was set out in 2000 White Paper, “Learning for Life – White Paper on Adult Education”, which sets out a template for the development of the Adult Education Sector as part of an overall Government commitment to establishing a comprehensive system of lifelong learning for all. In addition to the White Paper, several important pieces of legislation have been enacted, including the National Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 and the Education Act 1998, which impact on the delivery of further education services in Ireland.
Recent years have seen major reforms in the FET sector at both national and local levels. SOLAS was established under the Further Education and Training Act 2013 as the new national authority for FET, replacing FÁS, SOLAS operates under the guidance of a diverse board representing key FET stakeholders.
At the local level, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) were established on 1 July 2013, replacing Vocational Education Committees (VEC). ETBs are statutory authorities with responsibility for the provision of FET, operating second-level schools, further education colleges, and a range of adult and further education centres delivering education and training programmes.
SOLAS was required by the Further Education and Training Act 2013 to develop a five year strategy for the provision of FET. The first FET Strategy 2014-2019, aimed to establish a flexible, integrated, quality-driven and labour-market responsive sector. The strategy’s emphasis on provision informed by high quality data and evidence and funding prioritised according to demonstrable need and performance sought to foster learner progression, transition into employment and personal development. The FET Strategy provided a focus for the setting of investment priorities and provided a framework for the establishment and development of a strong FET sector. Key focus areas included skills development for the economy, active inclusion, quality assurance, and enhancing the standing of FET as a valued learning pathway aiming to increase equity, social inclusion, and rates of educational progression.
To develop the strategy, SOLAS engaged in a detailed process of engagement with stakeholders including the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI), National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and the OECD. As part of the development of the strategy, SOLAS undertook one-to-one consultations with FET stakeholders, research reviews, international benchmarking, and strategy workshops with various interested parties. Arising from that process, a draft strategy was developed and submitted for Ministerial approval.
Five high level strategic goals identified in the strategy were:
- Skills for the Economy: addressing the current and future needs of learners, jobseekers, employers, and employees and to contribute to national economic development.
- Active Inclusion: supporting the active inclusion of people of all abilities in society with a focus of improving on literacy, numeracy; and access.
- Quality Provision: providing high quality education and training programmes that meets both national and international quality standards.
- Integrated Planning and Funding: Planning and funding provisions based on objective analysis of socio-economic needs.
- Standing of FET: establishing FET as a valued learning pathway that offers clear career, employment, and personal development opportunities.
In 2014, SOLAS developed its first integrated Further Education & Training Services Plan. with cooperation from all 16 ETBs. It provided comprehensive, standardised information on FET funding and provisions across Ireland. It has allowed ETBs to become involved in collaborative planning for training interventions while providing valuable learning for SOLAS in respect of the further education component of its remit. The implementation of the strategy provided for a more detailed picture of how the State's investment will be applied by ETBs and SOLAS against current policy objectives and underscores a commitment to a unified and efficient approach to the delivery of FET services.
The second FET Strategy: "Future FET: Transforming Learning", implemented from 2020 to 2024, aimed to redefine Ireland's Further Education and Training (FET) sector. This comprehensive plan focused on three strategic pillars: Building Skills, Fostering Inclusion, and Facilitating Pathways, all supported by seven enabling themes.
Building Skills
Recognising FET's pivotal role in economic development, the strategy emphasised aligning FET programs with industry needs. This alignment sought to ensure that learners acquired relevant skills for the evolving job market. A significant objective was to increase the number of school-leavers opting for FET pathways, including apprenticeships, thereby broadening the talent pool for various sectors. The strategy also highlighted the importance of upskilling the existing workforce, enabling employees to adapt to technological advancements and changing work environments. By 2025, the goal was for a significant portion of the population to engage with FET, reflecting its integral role in lifelong learning and career progression.
Fostering Inclusion
The strategy underscored FET's commitment to social inclusion. By offering accessible learning opportunities across all communities, FET aimed to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with previous educational disadvantages. Initiatives were designed to provide foundational skills, personal development, and community engagement, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their starting point, had the opportunity to learn and grow. This inclusive approach was vital for promoting social cohesion and enabling all citizens to contribute meaningfully to society.
Facilitating Pathways
Creating clear and flexible pathways within the education system was a cornerstone of the strategy. Efforts were made to enhance transitions between FET and higher education, allowing learners to progress seamlessly based on their aspirations and achievements. The development of "FET Colleges of the Future" aims to establish centres of excellence that serve as community-based hubs for learning, offering diverse programs catering to both academic and vocational interests. These institutions are envisioned to change societal perceptions, positioning FET as a desirable and respected choice for learners.
Enabling Themes
To support these pillars, the strategy identified several enabling themes:
- Digital Transformation: Integrating technology into FET delivery to provide flexible, online, and blended learning opportunities.
- Learner and Performance Focus: Prioritising the needs and experiences of learners, ensuring that programs are responsive and effective.
- Staffing and Structures: Developing a skilled and adaptable workforce within the FET sector to meet emerging challenges.
- Capital Development: Investing in infrastructure to create modern, accessible learning environments.
These themes were designed to create a robust framework that would enable the FET sector to adapt and thrive in a changing educational landscape.
Implementation and Impact
The strategy's implementation was overseen by the Transforming Learning Steering Group, comprising various educational stakeholders. This group provided guidance and monitored progress to ensure that the strategy's objectives were met effectively. By the end of 2024, the FET sector had seen significant growth, with over 400,000 learners engaging in various programs. This expansion reflected a 25% increase in the learner base since 2022, indicating the strategy's success in making FET a central component of Ireland's education system.
The new FET Strategy (2025-2029) will be the third national strategy for the FET sector and is currently under development. Under legislation SOLAS will prepare and submit the FET Strategy for Ministerial approval. Subject to approval, it is planned that the new Strategy will be launched by the end of Q1 2025.