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For Oral Answer on : 20/05/2021
Question Number(s): 84 Question Reference(s): 26785/21
Department: Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION


To ask the Minister for Further and Higher Education; Research; Innovation and Science the progress made by students participating in local training initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY



Local Training Initiatives (LTIs) are training and work experience programmes carried out in partnership with community and voluntary organisations. They provide a basis for the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to contract with community bodies to provide a service initiative in a locality where there are identified community needs. Training provision is intended to be sufficiently flexible to address the identified need and is typically six to twelve months in duration.

Due to the impact of Covid-19, the FET system quickly enabled provision to be moved online, where possible, in collaboration with QQI and wider stakeholders. Onsite provision was impacted as a result of the restrictions across 2020 and into 2021. However guidance was issued in relation to supporting some face to face provision for time-critical, practical elements of programmes where onsite attendance was necessary, as well as for learners from marginalised backgrounds. In relation to LTI provision, this has been part of the overall response.

As a result of this response, I can confirm that in 2020, 87.3% of unique learners taking part on LTIs fully or partially completed their course. This is a slight increase on completion rates in 2018 and 2019, where 84% and 86% of learners fully or partially completed their course respectively.

My Department is committed to the continuing development of LTIs and the important services that they provide to learners within communities.