(The National Adult Learning Organisation) bbrady@aontas.com The - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Presentation to ICS Skills Conference February 2014 Berni Brady, Director AONTAS (The National Adult Learning Organisation) bbrady@aontas.com

 The voice of adult learning  Membership organisation – 500 members  Promotion, information and advocacy  We advocate for the right of every adult in Ireland to quality learning  Community Education Network established

 Education and Training Boards Bill enacted - May 2013  ETBs established on July 1 st 2013  Further Education and Training (SOLAS) Bill enacted (July 2013)  DES review of FET programmes by NESC SOLAS structures/transition teams/ interim protocols  Apprenticeship Review  SOLAS established October 2013

 Transfer of (former) FAS training centres to ETBs  Development and launching of a 5 year FET strategy  Integrating SOLAS/ETB data and information systems – setting up a course database, calendar and learner database  Delivering good outcomes for adult learners, particularly long term unemployed people

 Further Education and Training Authority  Replaces FÁS, will integrate further education and training  ‘funding, planning and co-ordinating a variety of FET programmes’  Strong policy role, monitoring and gathering evidence to inform delivery

SOLAS FET strategy Funding Monitoring Service Strategy plan statement Reporting ETBs

 Promoting the learner voice within the new FET services  Promoting the unique role of and recognition for community education  Appointed to the Board of SOLAS in 2013

 Community education and learners recognised in the FET (SOLAS) legislation  Actively contributing our knowledge and experience to the development of the FET strategy  AONTAS Director appointed to the SOLAS Board in October 2013

 Five year strategy signed off by the Oireachtas  ESRI appointed to work on FET strategy- mapping exercise conducted  Advisory Group Established, supported by Technical Sub Group  International comparison, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Finland.  Consultation – Focus group sessions and one to one mtgs  Strategy document completed by March 2014 to be signed off by Minister Quinn

 Establishing a secure funding base  Service level agreements between ETBs and community providers  Validation Fees for course providers AONTAS is responding to these concerns.