Could Dual-Track education help keep students in Ireland?

Dual-track education, similar to apprenticeship programmes, could be a viable and alternative route to higher education here, writes Professor Martin Hayes

Dual-track education is where a student is first recruited by an employer and, after an appropriate induction period, is registered on a recognised, often co-designed, programme of education in a higher education institution. Picture: Larry Cummins

The points race has never been more cut-throat. In 2022, for the third year in a row, CAO places were harder to come by due to inflated grades. Anecdotal reports of students losing out on their preferred course due to the vicissitudes of a random selection “lottery” were widespread. 

The accommodation crisis has added to the pressure of pursuing a third level degree and deferral rates have skyrocketed, leading to significant funding shortfalls for our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).