Irish Vocational Education Association

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Business As Usual For 33 VECs
15 November 2010
Statement by Michael Moriarty, General Secretary of the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA)
The Tánaiste's announcement (12th October 2010) of a Cabinet proposal to amalgamate VECs may start a lengthy process of negotiations between VEC management, unions and the Department of Education and Skills. IVEA and its member Vocational Education Committees (VECs) are not satisfied that the level of the proposed configuration of new VEC entities stands up to scrutiny. IVEA is currently consulting with member VECs in advance of delivering a full response to the Government's proposals.
The proposed configurations, in some instances, are at variance with the cultural heritage of the present Vocational Education Committees, which has been deeply rooted in and associated with their own local communities. Some proposed multi-county entities would be hugely expanded geographically, and in some cases would not be able to identify structurally or culturally with their local community base.
While sectoral consultations may begin, all 33 VECs will continue to maintain quality education services to the communities they serve. VECs operate one-third of all second level schools in the State, which are recognised widely for their balanced curriculum choice and high educational standards.
VECs deliver a vast rang of community education services locally and these have become more relevant at this time of economic and social upheaval. Community Education programmes, Back to Education programmes, Literacy programmes and much more are networked across communities within the 33 VEC catchment areas. Our 33 VECs also manage around 350 Centres of Education delivering programmes such as Youthreach, Vocational Training Opportunity Schemes, and Traveller Education. Moreover, other educational programmes are delivered in partnership with other bodies and agencies, thus ensuring that the educational impact of VECs at local level is immense. Post Leaving Certificate programmes are also widely available across colleges and centres operated by the 33 VECs. Currently, 38,000 students attend PLC programmes to enhance their educational qualifications and work/life opportunities.
It's business as usual for VECs as they commit to the maintenance of educational programmes and services to their communities. They are, indeed, real community assets.
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The Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) is the representative body for the 33 Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) in Ireland, and works to protect, promote and enhance the interests of vocational education and training within the wider education sector and the country at large.
VECs deliver a wide range of educational services, from managing community national schools, second-level schools and colleges, Post Leaving Certificate colleges (PLCs) and education centres to providing training programmes for Travellers, adult literacy courses, prisoner education services, Youthreach programmes, Vocational Training Opportunities Schemes, and community education programmes.
VEC PLCs have developed a range of programmes and courses in response to the needs of industry and commerce which are certified by FETAC at levels 3 to 6, and by the professional bodies which set standards for entry into the professions.

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