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YEAR BOOK |
Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)
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FETAC's Strategic Plan - a milestone in
Further Education
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'An important milestone in the continuing economic and social evolution of the country, as well as an essential framework for those interested in self-improvement and life-long learning.' This is how FETAC's Chief Executive, Stan McHugh, described the FETAC Strategic Plan 2003-2006 at its launch in June 2003.
The Strategic Plan will provide a solid infrastructure through which further education and training can be delivered, its quality assured and benefits guaranteed. It is the fruit of successful partnership and consultation with several key groups, including staff, learners, providers and stakeholders. One of its critical strengths is its pragmatic approach, according to Stan McHugh. 'It is aspirational like so many other strategies in that it sets out a vision and core values, but it is also concrete and tangible, containing clear actions to show how this vision will be achieved', he said. The plan has already received the stamp of approval from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI).
As well as identifying five key challenges and strategic themes, the Strategic Plan also sets out clear performance indicators to measure progress over the next three years. These indicators include the number, range and quality of FETAC Awards available to learners; the quality of services for learners and the partnership with providers; increased awareness of the FETAC qualification and continual enhancement of its status and recognition at home and abroad. It will also deliver internal, customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
Minister for State, Ivor Callely, who received the Strategy on behalf of the Government, commended the work involved in developing the plan and noted its national and international significance for the future. He said, 'I congratulate FETAC on this Strategic Plan, and I know that the work in the period ahead will be one of the most important influences on the continued development of a vibrant, inclusive and high quality further education and training sector. Having a unified framework from basic literacy to doctorate level is a feat few countries have achieved to date, and I have no doubt that many policy makers and stakeholders will be watching closely the progress in Ireland in advancing the objectives of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999'.
FETAC has made over 145,000 Awards since its establishment as a statutory body in June 2001 under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999. Under the Act, FETAC has responsibility for making awards previously made by BIM, F�ilte Ireland (CERT), F�S, NCVA and Teagasc.
Contact: E-mail: [email protected] ; Web: www.fetac.ie