Adult Educational Guidance Service

Funding has been provided under the National Development Plan for the development of a National Adult Guidance and Counselling Service and for staff development and programme support initiatives over the period 2000-2007. The measure is designed to support access to Adult Literacy, VTOS, adult and community education programmes in the Further Education Sector. From 2006, the service has been available to survivors of residential abuse and their families.The service includes personal, educational and career guidance and covers the pre-entry, entry, ongoing and pre-exit stages. It will also support improved quality through staff and programme development initiatives. Linkages with other agencies form a vital part of the initiative, particularly at the initial referral and progression stages. The development of the guidance service in education also provides an important contact point for providers in the FAS Employment Services.

The Initiative is overseen by an advisory group which is led by the National Centre for Guidance in Education, and includes participation from employer, trade union, educational, FÁS, employment service/area partnership and community and voluntary sector interests. There are currently 40 projects operating nationwide. The projects were introduced over 4 phases from 2000 - 2007.