Unfilled posts put vulnerable at risk

STUDENTS at risk of dropping out of school and low-skilled job seekers are losing out on vital supports because of unfilled vacancies, the body representing Vocational Education Committees (VECs) has claimed.

Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) development director Deirdre Keogh said the most vulnerable students are suffering most as a result of posts not being filled when second level teachers retire.

This, she said, was despite research showing many students slip between cracks before getting to the Junior Certificate because they lack supports.