Institute of Technology Tallaght Countering non-progression among mature students: Certificate in Preparatory Study for Higher Education Started in 2009 Each year mature students register 10 credit, NFQ Level 6 Special Purpose Award Free to participants (funding by ETB, South Dublin County P’ship etc) Core subjects: study skills, Maths, ICT, Academic English Electives: up to 12 hours in 3-4 subjects Over last 2-3 years participants have begun completing their major awards: Participants universally positive about experience Disproportionate number of participants end up as prize winners, top of their class etc.
Institute of Technology Tallaght Currently, 18 year olds who are not in a position to access higher education via CAO are often not able to access it until they reach 23 (when they become mature). ITT developing an equivalent preparatory programme for year olds. Supporting participation needs stronger synergies between providers for FET and HE.