Irish Vocational Education Association

An Cumann Gairmoideachais in Éirinn

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IVEA Welcomes Minister's Announcement Of Increased Training Places
11 May 2011
Statement by Michael Moriarty, General Secretary IVEA
IVEA is pleased with the increase in approved PLC places places (1000) and the significant increase in the allocation of BTEI places (3000). IVEA has argued that locally based VECs are best placed to deliver the training and educational responses to clients' needs. The enhancement of generic, transferable skills is now an essential element of the retraining of many who have lost their jobs in recent times. BTEI can deliver this training in a cost efficient manner in local areas.
The Minister has moved fast to deliver on a commitment which may be a further step in addressing the training needs of many thousands of jobless adults.
In regard to school building projects, the Minister envisages an increased role for VECs. This is a wise move as local knowledge of catchment areas and familiarity with local planning authorities can ensure greater efficiencies and best use of resources. Already VECs have proven their worth in this regard with the development of education campuses.
As publicly accountable local education authorities, the potential of VECs must be further exploited.
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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