However, it is important to note that our ability to build and preserve our nation's competitive edge does not start with post-graduate education.

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The biggest cut is to the post-primary Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), where numbers accepted will drop by a fifth, from 290 to 234.

BBC: PGCE places cut by 20% in Northern Ireland universities

Previously, recruits to the profession did a one-year Masters course at a university, provided they had a PGCE (post-graduate certificate of education) plus two years of teaching experience.

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Both routes involve training towards a PGCE (post-graduate certificate in secondary education) and tuition fees are payable.

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The Department of Education has reduced the number of post-graduate places for trainee teachers by 20%.

BBC: PGCE places cut by 20% in Northern Ireland universities

Gates pointed to the fact that in the post-recession economy, there are fewer jobs for the high school graduate, making education a top priority for our future.

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