This monograph describes the various approaches to vocational training in Ireland. The report was compiled from existing statistics, various studies, and interviews with representatives of all the organizations, colleges, companies, and institutes involved in vocational training. Section 1 provides background information on political structures, population, and the economy. Section 2 begins with an historical review of the development of the Irish vocational training system. It then deals with the main areas of initial training and continuing training. Section 3 begins with a description of the regulatory framework and then presents information on the amount of training in Ireland and some estimates of expenditure on it. Statistics on training activity and expenditure by main public providers or funders of training are presented in summary form. This section also provides a brief outline of the ways in which the main training and certification organizations set about achieving their priorities. Section 4 outlines recent documents and proposals in relation to vocational training in Ireland and refers to the European dimension of training. It summarizes three main policy documents: Program for Economic and Social Progress, Industrial Policy Review Group report, and Green Paper on Education. Appendixes include the following: a list of abbreviations, names and addresses of 29 relevant organizations, important dates in the development of the training system, 16 sources, and glossary. (YLB)

This monograph, one of a series of studies of vocational education in the countries of the European Communities, describes the vocational training system in Ireland. The study was compiled from existing statistics and descriptions, and most figures cited refer to 1984. The report is organized in eight chapters. Chapter 1 covers population, including current population figures, regional distribution, migration, population projections, employment and unemployment, youth unemployment, and school leavers and the labor market. Chapter 2 covers the economy of Ireland, and Chapter 3 discusses initial education and vocational training. Topics covered include the Irish education system; initial training; support for young people in youth employment, training, and work experience programs; apprenticeship; agricultural training; fisheries and maritime training; initial training in the hotel, catering, and tourism industries; and training for the professions. Continuing education and training are covered in Chapter 4, which includes training in industry, management training, training for unemployed adults, training by trade unions, and training for the disabled. Chapter 5 presents information on the historical evolution of vocational education and recent developments; responsibilities of manpower and employment institutions, vocational education and vocational training agencies, and other training agencies are covered in Chapter 6. Chapter 7 covers finance, and current trends are the topics of Chapter 8. A bibliography and addresses of some training institutions complete the report. (KC)

This book describes the initial and continuing professional development of the various teachers and trainers involved in initial vocational training for youth in Italy, Ireland, and Portugal. The book contains separate, but similarly formatted, sections for each country. The following are topics are discussed in all three country reports: initial vocational training; trainers and teachers in initial vocational training; regulations for the training of teachers and trainers; training programs for teachers and trainers; initial training; and continuing training. The report on Italy also includes the following: political and institutional aspects; cultural aspects; associations, organizations, and resource centers involved with the training of trainers; and the continuing training supply. The report on Ireland also lists useful addresses of associations and resource/information centers and institutions and courses. The Portugal report begins with an overview of teachers and trainers of young people in Portugal and lists useful addresses of government agencies and social partners and training bodies and courses. Bibliographies and glossaries follow each country report. (YLB)

Provides information on the legislative provisions and funding of initial and continuing vocational training, and training for the unemployed. Covers trends from 1991 to 1998.