EDUCATION and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) have released new market research which it says shows strong public support for the programmes its members deliver.
The education and training programmes delivered by ETBs nationwide, include those presented by Limerick and Clare ETB.
The findings show that over a third of people want education and training options that are free, co-educational, multi-denominational, and located close to their home.
The release of the research coincides with the official launch of the organisation’s strategy statement – which outlines its ambitions for the coming three years.
Representatives from Limerick and Clare ETB recently attended an online event, ‘Stronger Together: ETBs for the Future’, which explored the opportunities and challenges for the ETB sector in the delivery of education and training programmes.
Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of ETBI, welcomed the findings and said it endorsed the organisation members’ offerings. He said, “Our research findings show the public’s preference for education provision that is community-based, free and co-ed – and that’s exactly what Limerick and Clare ETB offers, as well as all other ETBs nationwide.
“We operate in every county in the Republic of Ireland, providing education across multiple levels from primary school provision to night classes.
“Despite the extent of our education provision, many people are unaware of the scale of services we provide.
“This has come through in the survey also – while almost half of people recognise that ETBs are regional education and training bodies, much fewer realise the extent to which ETBs, for example, run primary and post-primary schools; provide youth services and apprenticeships; or operate Further Education and Training centres.
“We have some progress to make on awareness of the work and ethos of ETBs, and the time is ripe for that.
“With the Government target of 400 multidenominational schools by 2030, ETBs are well positioned to run many of these new schools.
“Our schools are multidenominational, co-educational and State-run, and it will be important – in the coming years – for us to ensure parents and students nationwide are aware of this.”
The findings released by ETBI are based on research undertaken by B&A in January 2022, focusing on the characteristics that parents, families, and individuals prioritise when selecting education and training providers at all levels.
A survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 1,001 adults, aged 16+.
One of its findings was that 84% of participants who participated in education or training with an ETB gave their experience a rating of five out of seven or higher, with particularly positive feedback on ETB FET provision, including apprenticeships.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.