The Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) plays a key role in making sure that national education and training supports work for all communities — particularly those who are furthest from traditional learning pathways. We work closely with SOLAS, the Department of Further and Higher Education, the Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards (ETBs), and other national stakeholders to ensure that policy is responsive, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of learners.
The Education and Training Community of Practice, hosted by LDCN, brings together staff from across the country who are delivering a wide range of learning supports. These practitioners share experiences, co-develop approaches, and identify emerging needs in their communities. These insights are regularly raised at our National Council and also surface in discussions at our Social Inclusion Oversight Forum, ensuring that education remains high on the agenda.
Local Development Companies (LDCs) are trusted providers of community-based education and training. They design and deliver a wide range of initiatives, from basic literacy and digital skills to enterprise training, alternative education for young people, and sector-specific upskilling. Supports are often tailored to marginalised groups — including early school leavers, migrants, lone parents, older people and those transitioning from unemployment.
LDCs also provide 1:1 guidance, mentoring and wrap-around supports to help learners overcome barriers and stay engaged. Because they are deeply embedded in their local areas, they can respond flexibly and creatively to changing community needs.
Local Development Companies (LDCs) are trusted providers of community-based education and training. They design and deliver a wide range of initiatives, from basic literacy and digital skills to enterprise training, alternative education for young people, and sector-specific upskilling. Supports are often tailored to marginalised groups — including early school leavers, migrants, lone parents, older people and those transitioning from unemployment.
LDCs also provide 1:1 guidance, mentoring and wrap-around supports to help learners overcome barriers and stay engaged. Because they are deeply embedded in their local areas, they can respond flexibly and creatively to changing community needs.
Access to education and training is fundamental to achieving equality, economic resilience and social inclusion. LDCs ensure these opportunities reach into every community, creating pathways for learning that are accessible, flexible and rooted in real-life experience. Through LDCN, this practice-based knowledge informs national policy and helps shape a more inclusive education system for all.