Ambitious further education and training strategy launched to drive Ireland’s skills future

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

An ambitious new strategy for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland has been launched by Marian Harkin, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, alongside James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Over the past five years, participation in FET has grown significantly, with more than 400,000 learners nationwide gaining skills and qualifications in 2025.

The new strategy sets out a strengthened vision for the next five years, positioning FET as a central pillar in delivering the skills Ireland needs for a rapidly changing economy – particularly in AI, digital transformation, green innovation, and construction.

FET in Ireland is delivered through 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), community-based providers, and the national eCollege platform. Learners can achieve qualifications primarily at Levels 1–6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, with flexible options including full-time, part-time, blended, and online learning. The sector serves a diverse learner population: school-leavers, jobseekers, employees, employers, and adults returning to education.

The breadth of provision continues to expand, from micro-credentials and online learning to Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, Skills to Advance upskilling, and a wide range of community and adult education programmes including literacy, numeracy, language learning, and construction skills.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Harkin said, “Further Education and Training has become one of Ireland’s greatest strengths. It offers real opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to build skills, gain confidence, and progress in work and in life. Over 400,000 learners engaged in FET last year alone, and that tells its own story.”

She continued, “This new strategy is about ambition; ambition for learners, ambition for communities, and ambition for Ireland’s future. Whether it’s AI, digital skills, green innovation, or construction, FET will be at the heart of delivering the talent we need. Our ETBs and education partners will play a vital role in ensuring that every learner, no matter their starting point, can access high-quality pathways to success.”

Minister Harkin added, “FET is flexible, inclusive, and responsive. It supports school-leavers exploring their next steps, workers seeking to upskill, employers investing in their teams, and adults returning to education. This strategy strengthens that mission and ensures that FET continues to evolve with the needs of our society and economy.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.