Sources of information on returning to education

Information

Many people including early school leavers, unemployed people, and those who are retraining for new jobs may be interested in returning to education on a full-time or part-time basis.

The main providers of adult education in Ireland are the vocational education committees (VECs), through local schools and colleges. Third-level colleges also provide a wide range of courses. Community education groups throughout Ireland offer a variety of courses, catering for learners at all levels.

If you are interested in returning to education, there are a number of organisations and resources where you can get information about the courses available to you. You can use your local public library to find information about courses in your area.

AONTAS

AONTAS (the Irish National Association of Adult Education) promotes the importance and value of a comprehensive system of adult learning and education which is accessible and inclusive. It aims to influence policy development in the areas of adult education and lifelong learning. AONTAS operates an information referral service which aims to make the adult learner's first encounter with education as easy as possible, by providing basic information on adult education. The service also deals with queries such as the availability and funding for courses, and details on distance learning.

Guide for mature students

The Guide for Mature Students (pdf) is available on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. It gives basic information on third-level courses to people participating in the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) - see below and mature students in general. It also gives details of the supports and financial assistance available to mature students. You can find detailed information about college requirements and supports for mature students in the Mature Student Directory of Irish Third-Level Institutions (pdf).

Qualifax

Qualifax is the Irish national database of all third-level and further education courses. Included are links to college and other education/training websites in Ireland and abroad. It includes information on a number of careers to assist second-level students to make choices plus a range of other useful information for students of all ages.

Back to Education Programme

The Department of Social Protection's Back to Education Programme encourages people to return to education. This programme is provided through Youthreach, VTOS, Post Leaving Certificate courses and various community education groups. It is principally aimed at young people and adults with less than upper secondary education. The programme allows people who are unemployed, lone parents and people with disabilities to return to full-time or part-time education while continuing to get income support such as the Back to Education Allowance. It includes study options such as second-level certificate courses, third-level education courses, education, training and development courses and part-time education courses.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is part of the Government’s Back to Education Initiative. It is a joint venture between the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Social Protection and is operated through the VECs. It is particularly suitable for people who have been out of school for some time and can lead to qualifications such as Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate and Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) certificates. VTOS aims to give unemployed people education and training opportunities that will help them find a job, and to prepare people to go to paid employment or to further educational opportunities leading to paid employment.

National Adult Literacy Agency

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is a voluntary organisation that co-ordinates, organises training and develops policy on adult literacy and adult basic education work in Ireland. Its aim is to ensure all adults with literacy difficulties have access to high quality learning opportunities. NALA's Distance Education Service enables people to tune into literacy classes in their own homes. NALA's literacy service activities include training adult literacy students to work as literacy outreach workers in the community.

FÁS

FÁS is the National Training and Employment Authority. It operates educational and training schemes which offer people an opportunity to develop or upgrade their skills in the commercial and industrial sectors if they are unemployed or have been made redundant. You can search online for FÁS training courses on the FÁS website. FÁS training schemes include:

• Training courses in areas such as business administration, childcare, computers, driving, engineering, hairdressing, and software development. If you are unemployed, redundant or out of full-time education, you are eligible to take part in a FÁS course.
• Traineeship programmes which offers a mixture of on-the-job training with an employer and off-the job training in a FÁS Training Centre. These programmes are aimed at first-time job seekers or the unemployed.
• Community Training Centres are independent community-based organisations funded by FÁS to look after the training and employment needs of early school leavers. Participants at these centres are usually young people between 16 and 21 years of age, who have left school without completing formal examinations who are experiencing difficulties finding a job; and who are keen to gain a qualification.

Skills training with State agencies

State agencies such asFáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority), Bord Iascaigh Mhara (the Irish Sea Fisheries Board) and Teagasc (the Agriculture and Food Development Authority) offer a range of specialist courses in their particular commercial or industrial sectors. Some of these training courses are at third level and require you to have formal qualifications and to apply through the Central Applications Office as you would for any other third-level course.

National Centre for Guidance in Education

The National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE) is an agency of the Department of Education and Skills. Its main role is to support people providing guidance in all areas of education such as schools, colleges and adult education. It is responsible for the Adult Educational Guidance Initiative which consists of 38 pilot projects. Each project provides personal, educational and career guidance to participants in VTOS, adult and community education programmes. In general, NCGE is not a guidance service for individuals but it does provide advice and information to people who wish to study or train in another EU country.