Main Providers

The main providers of publicly funded Further Education and Training are the 16 education and training boards which were established on 1 July 2013 replacing the former Vocational Education Committees (VEC). ETBs are statutory authorities with responsibility for the provision of Further Education and Training and a range of other statutory functions across Ireland. Programmes range from basic literacy tuition to post leaving certificate vocational training covering levels 1 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

The ETBs manage and operate second-level schools, further education colleges, Training Centres and a range of adult and further education centres delivering education and training programmes.

The Post Leaving Certificate programme is delivered in Further Education and Training colleges/centres, second level schools/colleges, most coming under the remit of ETBs, with the remainder operating in the Voluntary Secondary Schools and Community and Comprehensive Schools. Currently there are 128 approved PLC centres of which eight are either Voluntary Secondary Schools and Community and Comprehensive Schools.