The Vocational Education system has a long and proud
history in the provision of education and training
opportunities for adults. The Vocational Education
Acts (1930 and 2001) assigned the responsibility
for developing a suitable system of ‘continuation
education’ to the Vocational Education Committees
(VECs). This service is carried out by the vocational
schools and centres, where education and training
programmes of a high standard are delivered in a
supportive environment.
County Longford VEC aims to identify the educational
needs of prospective students and employers and
to provide courses, either full-time or part-time,
in response to these needs. Courses are delivered
by qualified and dedicated staff who seek
to develop the personal, vocational and academic
skills of students and encourage them to maximise
their potential and achieve their goals.
Courses generally lead to certification by the Further
Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC). FETAC
awards offer pathways to employment and higher education
and are nationally and internationally recognised.
The adult educational guidance service initiative
was set up to provide guidance and support to adults
intending to return to education and training.
Current full-time course delivery by Co Longford Vocational Education Committee includes:
Further Education / PLC Courses covering a wide range of disciplines, are delivered in the VEC schools in Ballymahon, Granard, Lanesboro and Longford to young people who have just completed their second level education and also to adults who are returning to learning. (See individual school sections for further details)
Senior Traveller Training – a programme of integrated education, training and work experience for adult members of the Travelling community is available at St Mel’s Education & Training Centre in Longford.
Youthreach Programmes cater for early school leavers. These programmes are offered in Ballymahon and Granard.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), is a programme for unemployed adults who wish to return to education. This course is provided at the Adult Education Centre, Longford.
Part-time
courses include those funded by the Department
of Education and Science and self-funded courses
as follows:
Basic
Education courses, including family learning
programmes, childcare courses, Level 3 and Level 4 FETAC modules, Junior and Leaving
Certificate subjects and classes to assist
adults with literacy and numeracy difficulties
are available at the Adult Education Centres
in Ballymahon, Granard and Longford.
Back
to Education Initiative (BTEI) funded
programmes are delivered in the VEC schools
and centres and in other venues subject to
demand. They provide return to learning opportunities
for young people and adults, a re-entry route
for those at work who wish to upskill and
gain certification.
Community
Education courses are funded by the VEC
from its Community Education budget and under
the Back to Education Initiative.
Self-financing
academic and hobby courses are provided
on an on-going basis in the evenings subject
to demand.
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