Students need more information on courses, says report

STUDENTS entering college must be made better aware in advance of what courses involve to prevent them dropping out early, according to the author of a major report on third level education.

The report highlights the expected sharp drop in full-time students in 10 years’ time because of the falling young population. For every 100 people aged between 16 and 19 in 2000, there will only be 81 in 2010.

Department of Education’s Skills Initiative Unit director Sean McDonagh said one of the key issues in meeting the economy’s demand for skilled graduates is to ensure people see their chosen courses through.