Policy information
Further education
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Further education is education and training that happens after second-level schooling, but which is not part of the third-level system.
There are number of providers of further and adult education and training. A wide variety of schools, organisations and institutions are involved in the delivery of continuing education and training for young school leavers and adults.
The 16 education and training boards are responsible for the delivering primary, post-primary and further education. They also have training schemes which used to be run by FÁS.
SOLAS works with the ETBs to support the development of further education and training programmes and curriculms. It also works with the ETBs to look for involvement in further education and training from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Adult education is set out in Learning for Life A range of education and training is provided by various organisations aimed at upskilling and reskilling people who are unemployed. Providing skills for work is a priority.
Certification in the further education and training sector is usually in alignment with the National Framework of Qualifications – an awards framework of 10 levels, which is aligned to the European Framework of Qualifications.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) quality assures institutions of further education and training, validates educational programmes and makes awards to learners.