A report has been published outlining plans to move to an outcome-based 5-pot Funding Model for further education and training (FET).
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said that this
“…is a watershed moment for the FET sector, where the long-held ambition for a more flexible and outcome-based funding model for ETBs has been made a reality. I’d like to thank all the people who made this possible, for their commitment and hard work in getting us to this welcome stage.
“One of the many insightful points made in this report was the importance of FET not just as an education and training offering, but as a key component of Irish society. FET is unique because it is about diverse pathways into and within our communities, and plays a role in unlocking potential and growth across many different aspects of our society.
“We want to get the message out there that FET has a critical role to play in developing the economy and skills of people in Ireland, across the board from apprenticeship, post Leaving Certificate courses, to literacy supports and everything that falls between in a dynamic and exciting system. The move to a simplified funding model will enable and empower ETBs to harness what is so special and valuable about FET and expand it to meet the future skills needs of Ireland and its people.”.
This simplified “5-pot” funding model will facilitate transparent, inclusive and modern FET provision into the future to continue and expand upon what has already been achieved.
5-pot Funding
This new, simpler 5-pot model focuses on providing core funding, to allow each ETB effectively and strategically deliver FET that meets the needs of their regions.
1 pot will make sure resources go into key areas like:
- quality assurance
- enterprise engagement
- consistent learner support
- agile programme development
- data analysis
The other 4 pots will drive provision, including:
- one dedicated to supporting apprenticeship delivery
- FET pathways to equip learners with employable skills and wraparound supports
- funding designed around employment and higher education transition
- a new discretionary funding pot for competitive funding calls, which will respond to Government initiatives and reward high-performing ETBs
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said:
“ This new funding approach will allow for the investment in critical capabilities that will enable transformation in areas like learner support, digitalisation, quality assurance, agile course development and capital infrastructure.
“It will drive innovation and growth in FET provision and facilitate the harmonisation of FET programmes. It will ensure fairness and transparency in how FET is funded, and more clearly link to the learner outcomes generated by ETBs. In addition, the funding model will also recognise the individual characteristics and challenges faced by ETBs. I am excited to see where this funding model can take the FET sector. The future is bright for FET.
“I’d like to thank Ken Rutherford, Fiona Hartley O’Connor, and Ted Owens of the independent expert panel for their incredible commitment and insight in leading this process and the clear direction they’ve set out.”
Work is underway to form an implementation group to drive delivery of the new funding model.
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