Mr. Peter Davitt:

In fairness, over the past five or six years many new initiatives and interventions have come into play, all of which are valid and useful. We have responded very well collectively to the crisis and recession, and we have tried to create skills. One size does not fit all. Springboard has its place and is a valuable contributor in terms of addressing skills, as are initiatives such as Momentum, skills training and FETAC levels 5 and 6. We need to have a co-ordinated approach and very clear expectations for each industry sector in terms of what can be achieved and delivered over a period of time. We are very clear about the employment potential within the tech sector and want to maximise the realisation of employment in that sector. From a FIT perspective, when we get up in the morning we are thinking about the 7,000 vacancies, and how we will develop more programmes and encourage more people to acquire skills. We can add value with a more co-ordinated approach.

In Ireland there is a focus on dual education and apprenticeship models for traditional trades, and that has been very successful. Let us take that learning and apply it to other sectors of the economy. Any work-orientated programme, provided by whatever entity, be it a third level institution, a further education body or the private sector, should be employment proofed. There should be clear expectations in terms of the anticipated outcomes from a programme and it should achieve them to ensure ongoing support and funding. We can take certain actions, have better co-ordination and open up dialogue between further and higher education.

We could support career guidance. It needs to be provided at a much earlier stage because by 17 and 18 years of age it is too late. We need to talk to young people aged 14 and 15 years about future career prospects and perhaps provide them with sampling opportunities. We need to equip the career guidance infrastructure with a broader appreciation of the skills of the economy and ensure that people know there is not just one route, namely, third level provision. There needs to be more joined-up thinking, a more focused approach, some clear targets and the concept of employment grouping