CAO system for accessing Third Level education could be reformed under new plans
The changes would see easier access to apprenticeships and other alternative paths to college.
The Department of Higher Education and Research is a new creation of this government and this morning Minister Simon Harris will set out its first plans for reform of the sector.
Chief among them changes to the CAO system for accessing third level education.
At present the CAO doesn't include things like apprenticeships, further education options or traineeships.
The new plans would see one platform offer college and university courses as well as alternative pathways in education in one portal, amid fears that the options for students are being limited too early under the current system.
It would also create a single credit system to make it easier to move from further to higher education courses.
The plan will commit to increasing the number of apprenticeships in Ireland to 10,000 a year by 2025 - up from around 6,000 in 2019.
The plan will also include a strategy for international education.
CAO figures show 2,600 people who would have applied to the UK for third level now seeking education in Ireland, and an increase in the number of British students studying here, something seen as an impact of Brexit.
Legislation is being considered to give further powers to the Higher Education Authority and to reduce the size of governing authorities.
While a ten year plan for literacy and numeracy will be launched - as one in five people have difficulty reading and 1 in 8 have trouble with numbers.
More from Cork
-
Lord Mayor Of City Felt Privileged To Represent Cork During Such A Difficult Time As He Faces Into Last Month In Office
Councillor Joe Kavanagh will be handing over the mayoral chains outside of City Hall for the first time ever on June 18th due to the pandemic
-
Expert calls for people to reduce meat intake
Eating too much meat can increase the risk of serious illnesses by as much as 30%.
-
International Care Day Is Being Celebrated At The Bessborough Centre In Blackrock Today
The event highlights the positive impact of the experience of young people in care
-
UPDATE: Teenage Girl Killed And Three Teenage Boys Injured In Knocknaheeny Crash
It's understood the teenage driver of the car fled the scene on foot
-
Angry Farmers To Stage Protest Outside Aldi in Mitchelstown Later
They're appealing to retailers to come to the talks table
-
UPDATE: Toddler Who Was Injured At Her Home On The Boreenmanna Road Has Died
The two year-old was rushed to hospital with traumatic head injuries