Transition from Further Education and Training to Higher Education

Given the fact that the research carried out in the further education and training (FET) sector is sparse in Ireland compared with other sectors, it is great to see this report emerge from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. 

The FET landscape has been undergoing tremendous structural change in recent years with the establishment of the 16 Education and Training Boards, SOLAS, QQI and the National Skills Council. It is therefore timely to explore the transition experiences of those students who undertake FET prior to entering higher education. The two key goals of FET programmes are to enable students to gain meaningful employment or to progress to higher education. With the excellent progression opportunities available now, it is important to examine these experiences to see what can be learned by both student and practitioner. 

This evidence-based report examines student motivations and decisions prior to entering higher education, their perceptions of FET preparation, the challenges faced by FET students versus Leaving Certificate students and the factors influencing the transitions of FET students to higher education. The report is an important first step in understanding the transition from FET to higher education. 

A key finding is that the majority of students found that their FET experience had prepared them well for higher education, building their confidence and self-belief to excel in higher education. There are other findings which FET and higher education practitioners need to observe, such as the challenge of mathematics requirements in transitioning, time management, engaging in college life, and the challenge of taking part in group work with students who may have different approaches to learning. 

The report also outlines useful recommendations which could form the basis of a guide of good practice of transitioning from FET to higher education. 

Pat Maunsell 

Director, Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE)