SOLAS Launches New Framework and Position Paper to Enhance Consistent Learner Experience in FET

SOLAS/07.08.2024

SOLAS has today launched a new framework and position paper aimed at ensuring that learners have a consistent experience of Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland. The framework, and accompanying position paper, will support FET providers across the sector with important areas such as access and achievement, and will enhance the overall learner experience within FET.

The publication of the new framework and position paper on enhancing learner experience in FET is the result of a cross-sectoral collaboration, with SOLAS working closely with the Educational and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). With key inputs gathered from FET practitioners, it reflects the impact that learner supports can have on improving and enhancing the learner experience in FET.

Further Education and Training (FET) Provision

FET is available in every community in Ireland and offers people a valuable and recognised pathway that supports people to achieve their goals – whether that’s learning a new skill, pursuing a passion, or taking up a course to improve self-confidence and mental well-being.  

FET offers inclusive education and training options to diverse communities due to its flexible and tailored provision.

The launch of the Learner Support Framework is an important stepping stone towards further embedding inclusiveness in the FET sector. This body of work builds on our ambitious National FET Strategy (2020-2024).  The framework provides recognition that widely available and enhanced learner supports are a vital enabling factor for delivering effective FET provision. This directly contributes to achieving key targets set out in the FET strategy – to widen participation, create pathways, and encourage lifelong learning.

Learner Support in FET

This work also builds a common understanding of ‘Learner Support’ in FET and is aimed at empowering Education and Training Boards (ETBs) at local level, by enabling and facilitating flexible and agile learner support. The framework is enhanced by several case studies demonstrating how a range of supports are already being provided across the sector. These case studies also highlight the progress being made by FET practitioners in delivering effective supports for their learners.

The approach outlined in this work recognises that individual needs of learners vary from person to person. They can be educational needs or supports needed for successful engagement with education. The supports learners require can go from less intensive and more generic in nature, to more intensive or specific. Learners may need support with learning or supports related to social, emotional, and wellbeing. The duration of these supports may also vary.

As such, the response to these needs should also be offered along a continuum, including universal, or mainstreamed supports for addressing needs common to large numbers of learners, as well as individualised supports, for addressing more specific needs, reflecting the principles of ‘Universal Design for Learning’.

Speaking about the launch of the reports Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said:

“A key part of our role in SOLAS is to ensure that the FET sector caters to, and is accessible, to all learners and we are delighted to launch the Position Paper and Framework Guide on Consistent Learner Supports.

The approach taken in the framework and position paper is learner centred and focuses on tailored learning and supports to meet the individual needs of learners, with consistent, integrated, and appropriate supports offered to all learners accessing FET provision across Ireland.

As a sector we are striving to continuously improve learners’ connection and belonging to their programmes, to their ETB, and to their fellow learners. Delivering on this objective makes it easier for learners to access FET, to progress and succeed in their learning, and to reach their full potential.

To ensure that FET is learner centred, we must continue to listen to our learners so that the overall learner experience encompasses everything the FET sector has to offer - interactions, opportunities, as well as support systems which include the academic, social, cultural, and personal aspects.”

More Information

Access a copy of the Learner Support Framework here

Access a copy of the Learner Support Position Paper here