Further education – the fifth pillar of the education system

Last week, representatives of the FA and the directors of education and further training centres met to discuss the current situation and developments in the field of further education. The meeting also included representatives from the Confederation of British Industry and the Association of Scottish Institutes, who gave presentations on developments in the labour market, the importance of lifelong learning, and the certification of skills in the workplace. FA experts discussed the development of the Business Professional Qualification, reviewed the status of FA's curricula and study paths, and specifically the new study path, Skills for the Labour Market.

The directors of the education and lifelong learning centres reviewed the use of funds and the implementation of further education at each centre. At the end of the meeting, Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, joined the group for a discussion, along with Ragnhildur Bolladóttir, Team Leader for the Further Education Level. The meeting was useful and shed light on the next steps that need to be taken to further enhance the quality and outcomes of further education.