Co. Carlow VEC is a statutory local education authority, which operates under the terms of the 1930 Vocational Education Act, its amendments and the 1998 Education Act. The VEC provides a comprehensive range of accessible lifelong learning education and training programmes and educational support services to the community.

Co. Carlow VEC serves over 7000 learners through its schools, colleges and adult education centres. As well as education and training programmes, the VEC provides a range of support services. The operations are administered by specialist staff in the schools, centres and VEC Head Office.