Profile of the Adult Sector

The National Report on Lifelong Learning in Ireland (2008) by the Educational Disadvantage Centre, Drumcondra, stated that the VEC Adult Education Sector 'has arguably more adult learners than all other providers combined and could thus be considered the most pervasive adult education provider in the State'. In 2010, over 180,000 learners participated in VEC adult education and up-skilling programmes, in almost 2,000 venues across Ireland. Of these learners, 22,900 attained minor awards and 3,110 major awards at levels 1 - 3. A further 22,360 achieved minor awards at Levels 4 - 6 and 7,000 achieved major awards. Awards attained by VEC learners in 2010 totalled 55,370, representing almost a third of the overall awards made by FETAC in 2009.

An increasing number of adults followed blended learning programmes, through www.writeon.ie, the interactive website provided by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) with face-to-face support provided by local VEC Adult Education Services. Over 60,000 adults took advantage of the information and guidance supports provided by the local VEC Adult Educational Guidance Services.

The unprecedented demand for places on VEC managed adult education programmes, over the past two years, has put an increased focus on the need for well managed and integrated Adult Education Services. At the same time, however, the non-replacement of Adult Education Officers in VECs, as a result of the Government moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service, is having a negative impact on the quality and coherence of adult education provision.