The dropout rate from third-level education in Ireland is the lowest in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Minister for Education Mary Hanafin last night paid tribute to the work guidance counsellors do in helping students make the right choices.
Speaking at the launch of the 22nd annual Irish Times Higher Options Conference yesterday, Ms Hanafin said the event was "hugely significant for students" because it "brings alive their third-level options".
"Through working with guidance counsellors . . . students are in a position where they can access more information and make very valuable choices for their future," she said.
Frank Mulvihill, president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, said it was important not to underestimate the value of offering students the opportunity to meet with third-level institutions.
"Career and job searching has become very diverse, in the past y 30 years . . . we work on a basis that it is important to get to know our clients so we can help them understand who they are and identify with suitable career paths," he said.
Irish Times Education Editor Seán Flynn spoke of the many changes that have occurred in the sector since the higher options conference was launched. "Students are spoiled for choice when it come to higher education options, but the one constant . . . is the desperate need for the work of guidance counsellors," Mr Flynn said.
