22 May, 2009 - Minister O'Keeffe announces 1,500 extra PLC places to tackle workforce skills needs

'Government expands adult and further education in challenging labour market' - Minister Haughey

The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe TD, today announced the providers of the extra 1,500 Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) places from September as part of the Government's response to the education and training needs of workers who face unemployment or who've lost their jobs.

The extra allocation means that the total number of PLC places on offer for the 2009/2010 academic year will be 31,688.

Announcing the new places, Minister O'Keeffe said: 'In response to the growing education and training needs in the economy, I've redeployed funding this year to create an extra 1,500 PLC places which will cost about €12 million in a full year.

'The PLC programme will be offered around the country by 140 VEC schools, 23 secondary, and 26 community and comprehensive schools.

'The extra PLC places form part of an increase of almost 7,000 new places on education courses included in the supplementary Budget last month.

'Various higher education programmes are providing the remainder of the places.

'These measures are a clear indication of the Government's commitment to investing in those who are out of work so that they can return to employment as soon as possible.'

The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey TD, said: 'The PLC programme provides students with specific vocational skills to help improve their prospects of getting secure full-time jobs or to progress to other studies.

'Over the past number of years, the Government has prioritised a major expansion of adult and further education and these extra places attest strongly to our commitment to adapt ourselves for the challenging new labour market.'

Minister O'Keeffe said that he expected a very strong demand for these extra PLC places as learners recognise the importance of up-skilling and retraining for a changed labour market.

'I'd urge the providers of PLC courses to be conscious of local demand when preparing people for entry to the workforce or for progression to further education,' said Minister O'Keeffe.

ENDS

Please find attached link to the providers of the extra 1500 PLC places.

http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/PR09-05-22.doc

Summary of activation places in the educational sector outlined in the April Supplementary Budget.

http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/PR09-05-22A.doc