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OCN NI’s Commentary on Research Findings

OCN NI’s Commentary on Research Findings. Why Did We Need This Research?. Historical Roots The Mission “ The Open College Network supports learning and widens opportunity by recognising achievement through credit based courses and qualifications”

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OCN NI’s Commentary on Research Findings

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  1. OCN NI’s Commentary on Research Findings

  2. Why Did We Need This Research? • Historical Roots • The Mission • “ The Open College Network supports learning and widens opportunity by recognising achievement through credit based courses and qualifications” • We claim to be a distinctive Awarding Body with a focus on accessibility, and progression

  3. Does the Research Confirm our Claims? • The research confirms anecdotal evidence that adults reengage with learning for a wide variety of purposes: • To access a second chance at learning • To assist at work and with career progression • A taster, introduction to a new area of study • To acquire a new skill • To improve current qualification levels • For personal development and satisfaction

  4. Case Studies • Case Study 1, Betsy Hayball (Opportunity Youth) • An opportunity for further learning and achieve aspirations • Case Study 2, Elaine Spence (WEA) • Improved qualifications and career progression • Case Study 3, Grainne Courtney (S Regional College) • Personal satisfaction and a new area of study • Case Study 4, Chris Ashton (SE Regional College) • A second chance and an improved academic profile • Case Study 5, Andrew Dougal (Belfast Metropolitan) • New skills

  5. Current Context for Adult Learning in NI • The 2001 Census indicated that 42% of the population • aged between 16 and 74 have no qualifications • 75% of the 2020 workforce has already reached school • leaving age • NI region has higher levels of economic inactivity • And lower levels of productivity than other UK Regions • Continuing concerns with the level of basic skills • Employers’ demand for skilled people in the workforce

  6. Further Education Means Business Consultation: Policy Priorities • When planning their curriculum offer colleges will be asked to increase the proportion of their provision that: • Is in priority skill areas • Is at level 2 and 3 • Is of a profession and technical nature (vocational) • Leads to qualifications on the NQF • Addresses the essential skills of literacy and numeracy

  7. In 05/06 there were 33,962 enrolments at level 2 and 34,749 enrolments at level 3, 46% of total FE enrolments, over 50% were at Level 1 and below

  8. Focusing on Level 1 • In 05/06 total number enrolments for priority skill areas was 33,980, 18,115 of these were level 1 • Over 80% of enrolments in FE Colleges at level 1 and below are from people aged 25 and over • Learners 60-64 and 65 and over have a marked level of participation on level 1 and below • It is proposed that there will be no weighted funding for Level 1 other than in the priority skill areas and essential skills

  9. In 05/06 75,969 enrolments, approximately 50% of all college enrolments were on non- NQF courses

  10. The Importance of National Qualifications • Currently 93% of taught hours in FE on the NQF • 50% of all FE enrolments on non- NQF courses • Learners 60-64 and 65 and over have a marked • level of participation on non-NQF courses • 95% of taught learning hours on the NQF to be • achieved over the next 3 years

  11. Conclusions • OCN NI supports the Government’s focus on economic growth and social cohesion • We also support the aspiration to have more people achieving national qualifications • The learner case studies indicate that adult learning is life enhancing, it has diverse starting points, it provides skills for participation in society and it leads to progression to further learning and employment

  12. Conclusions cont… • We would question the initial lack of focus on Level 1 as a way of getting people started • If level 1 provision other than priority skills and essential skills is not the business of FE whose business is it? • We would argue that there is a need for diversity in the curriculum offered to adults

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