Professor Vincent Cunnane:

I will come in on the apprenticeships and disadvantage as the only route for disadvantaged students. There are many routes for disadvantaged students. It is important to signify the close links between our sector and the further education sector. The technological universities will maintain and grow the relationship with the further education sector. Many students come through that route. As a sector, we find that when students have been through a PLC or further education programme, they are more suitable for higher education at that point. They are ready and their retention rate within our systems is high. I would disagree with the Senator regarding apprenticeships being the only route into higher education. Apprenticeship is an important route for disadvantaged students but there are multiple entry points. As a sector, we recognise multiple entry points. As pointed out by Mr. Hannigan, we are there for mature students as well.

We would highlight to Deputies and others that there are multiple routes of entry into higher education in the context of access and for disadvantaged students, be that traditional craft apprenticeships or new apprenticeship levels 6 and 7 and level 8. The link and the recognition of credits from the further education system is also a key component of access.