Cost is deterring young people from getting further part-time education and training

NYCI has campaigned for many years on education, formal and non-formal and in particular on the issue of educational disadvantage. There has been substantial research conducted to confirm that high levels of investment in education, and particularly in early education, will lead to improved economic performance, increased social inclusion, lower crime, reduced welfare dependence and better health.

The survey found that:

Ø Over 40% of respondents plan to return to study in the next 5 years, while 17% are unsure.

Ø Of those who have said that they will return to study or that they are unsure, almost 50% intend returning on a full time basis.

Ø Overall cost of returning to study is the biggest barrier to returning to study. Over half or 52.2% of respondents cited ‘overall cost’ as being either very important or important practical barriers to their return to further study.

Ø 47.4% cited ‘job commitments’ as being either very important or important practical barriers to their return to further study part-time fees were cited by 42.5%.

Ø ‘Overall Cost’ and ‘Part Time Fees’ were a much bigger issue for lower socio-economic group

Ø The two least important barriers are ‘previous negative experience of the education system’ and ‘lack of self-confidence’ both having average ratings of 3.9.

“In light of the low number of people engaged in lifelong learning, in particular those most in need of it and the prevalence of a rapidly changing labour market, the Government must act immediately to invest in education and training. We have identified two areas of investment which could ensure that more people benefit from further education: the abolition of part-time fees for those without existing qualifications and on low incomes and the introduction of statutory leaving leave. In many cases part-time study is the only viable option for someone with work and family responsibilities; however a disincentive exists in that they are subject to very high tuition fees,” stated James Doorley, Assistant Director at NYCI.

Mr. Doorley continued: “Accessing education is an expensive commodity. We oppose the introduction of fees for full time courses; however it appears the Government are planning to move in that direction. If that happens it will prevent many young people from going to college full time, so having slammed the door shut on that option, the Government must give young people on low incomes support to pursue further education on a part time basis.”

In light of these results NYCI recommends that:

• Government should provide support to those who wish to return to study on a part time basis by abolishing fees. In the current economic climate priority should be given to those who have not previously pursued third level education and whose income is below the average industrial wage*.

• Government must invest in education and training for people vulnerable to redundancy.

• A new initiative should be established providing a systematic approach to paid statutory educational leave, with a particular focus on supporting those with low educational qualifications and low skilled workers to access education.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Clodagh O’Brien, Communications Officer at the NYCI on 087 781 4903 or 01 425 5955 or email communications@nyci.ie

Notes to Editors:

*This initiative would meet the Government commitments in “Towards 2016 and in the current Programme for Government to establish a fund to alleviate part-time fees for employees attending public institutions.

National Youth Council of Ireland

The National Youth Council of Ireland is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests of 55 voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.