Sir, – Research presented this year by the Higher Education Authority that tracked the completion rates of students in third-level colleges reveals that first-year entrants with lower Leaving Certificate points have a much higher than average non-progression rate at Levels 6 (higher certificate) and Level 7 (degree). This is highest among disadvantaged students, with engineering courses having a high number of students who fail to complete their studies. The announcement by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) whereby civil engineering apprenticeships will become available next year outside the CAO points race but still leading to Level 6 and 7 qualifications should be welcomed as a step in the right direction (“Apprentice course hailed as game changer”, News, October 13th).
Providing an opportunity for students on a career path to earn and learn at the same time will mitigate the financial issues that face a lot of third -level students. At a time when civil engineers are greatly wanted across all industrial areas, the old system of apprenticeships which began in the Middle Ages could once again become king in producing the professional workforce for our future needs. – Yours, etc,
KEVIN McLOUGHLIN,
Ballina,
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Co Mayo.
