1. Overview of the National Youthreach Evaluation

2. The further education and training system is very diverse and geographically spread but complex and multi-faceted…
Student cohort roughly equivalent to that of higher education (circa 200k)
However 340k beneficiaries, meaning many accessing more than one course
€640m SOLAS investment (+€140m)
Community based model characterised by small scale provision
Work-based components of much provision
Large proportion of adult learners with competing demands
Level 5 and Level 6 principally delivered via PLC, traineeships & apprenticeships
Significant amount of funding into FET – one of its strengths its diversity and accessibility
Available in almost every corner of Ireland
Incredibly connected to the regions they serve – individuals, employers, communities
People dip in and dip out of FET at different times and on multiple occasions
Conscious that in setting up agreements not just about targets and templates – really wanted to get a flavour of what each ETB all about, unique characteristics & how its responding to a unique set of challenges – agreements & system report today – see series of case studies highlighting innovation & good practice from across the system

3. FET provision falls into three broad strands
26 full and part-time programmes delivered locally but nationwide
FET provision falls into three broad strands
Education and training primarily focussed on facilitating progression to additional education opportunities
Education and training primarily focussed on the development of core/transversal skills including literacy and numeracy skills
Education and training primarily focussed on facilitating transition into employment

4. Policy framework

5. Youthreach evaluation part of the suite of evaluations being carried out under auspices of current FET Strategy (2014 – 2019)….
PLC
Youthreach
VTOS
Level 3&4
BTEI

6. The Approach
Response
SOLAS
IMPROVEMENT
Evaluation
REPORT

7. Youthreach Evaluation
Programme
ESRI appointed to carry out the evaluation, with a core task of generating policy-relevant knowledge concerning the outputs and outcomes of Youthreach and the effectiveness of this provision
Provides key education and training to early school leavers, and as such forms a key part of ‘second chance’ education provision
Primarily delivered via two strands under ETB management, by Youthreach centres and by Community Training Centres (CTCs), with different governance, funding and oversight arrangements in respect of each strand
Facilitates learner progression (primarily), and it is categorised as such within the national FET system target of increasing progression to other education and training opportunities by 10% from relevant programmes over the period

8. What was the purpose of the evaluation?
A comprehensive analysis of Youthreach provision through Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres.
It incorporated multiple perspectives: from learners, teachers/instructors and coordinators/managers.
It sought to capture the voice of young people who have disengaged from school.
Ultimate aim was to inform policy and practice regarding provision for early school leavers.

9. Evaluation Methodology
Desk-based research: review of literature and analysis of existing data.
A national survey of Youthreach senior managers.
A national survey of Youthreach coordinators/ Community Training Centre managers (86% response rate).
Case-study research in 10 Youthreach and Community Training centres, identified on the basis of survey data: coordinators/managers, staff, learners (current and former), BoM (CTCs).
Consultative workshops

10. ESRI Analysis
Distinctive nature of Youthreach: Recognise the value in engaging and supporting a group of young people experiencing multiple challenges
Value for money: Relatively high unit costs versus high personal and societal costs of early school leaving
Legacy nature of provision and differences in structures between YR and CTCs (and SENI/non-SENI) – differential access to a place and to courses and supports across areas

11. ESRI Analysis
Word of mouth referral and some negative perceptions of the programme – rebranding and positive publicity to address this
Importance of tracking of leavers from school and follow-up re places
Critical importance of guidance: Progression planning; bridging courses; continuity of supports
There is potential to use administrative data for tracking outcomes (progression)
Useful to have metrics to capture soft skills development
Implications for second-level school practice and curriculum reform

12. Overview and Summary The research reveals the strong rationale for interventions like Youthreach as mechanisms to address social exclusion…
Aligned with similar international approaches
Large base of qualitative evidence demonstrating the benefits of the Youthreach programme
Evidence of positive outcomes in terms of progression to employment and other education and training opportunities
Small group learning with a range of supports in community settings is proven to be an effective model

13. It demonstrates the validity of different models and approaches and localised approaches should be supported…
Positive outcomes apparent from both Youthreach centres and Community Training Centres
Both have different merits
Youthreach centres more structured and integrated with wider further education and training
Community Training Centres linked more closely to community organisations and can draw on such resources
There is scope for closer alignment around staffing, governance and quality assurance but care must be taken not to undermine the value of flexible localised approaches

14. The high cost of provision, declining demand and geographical spread of centres need to be considered in future planning…
ESRI found the average cost per participant of €10,000 which is relatively high in an education and training context (while recognising the high support nature of Youthreach interventions)
Demand has declined by 11% over the period but not uniformly across centres
Long-term trend in decline in early school leaving rate
More marginalised cohorts presenting with higher support needs
ESRI notes the unbalanced geographical distribution of provision
Also note the close proximity of centres in particular areas
Has to be ongoing review, from a value-for-money perspective, of potential for consolidation and collaboration around provision

15. The development of Youthreach must also be aligned with the wider reform of the further education and training system…
Need at regional level must be considered by the ETB in the context of the entire further education and training service portfolio
Consider how the governance role of ETBs in relation to the Youthreach programme can further develop
Must be clearer learner pathways to other education and training opportunities
Opportunity to build on good practice in PLC, traineeship, apprenticeship taster modules embedded within some Youthreach provision
Integration of guidance and support with wider strategy and approach across ETB and the wider FET sector
Resourcing, staffing, professional development & learner support needs also to be planned at ETB level

16. Youthreach evaluation: Next steps
Full Report and SOLAS response document completed
Documents circulated to the DES and SOLAS Strategic Planning Committee for comments and feedback
SOLAS Board Meeting – 27th March 2019
In consultation with the DES both the ESRI Evaluation and SOLAS Response Document will be published together.