The role of nonformal university adult education (UAE) in revitalizing vocational education and training (VET) in marginalized neighborhoods in Ireland was examined. First, an examination of the barriers affecting participation in VET in marginalized neighborhoods identified the following barriers: situational barriers arising from individual life situations; institutional barriers, including the physical inaccessibility of education and restrictive rules and regulations; and dispositional barriers related to learners' own attitudes and self-perceptions. Next, empowering (as opposed to dependency- creating) strategies and practices for encouraging greater participation in VET were identified. The research culminated in development of a model for facilitating access within community groups that would encourage greater participation in VET by residents of marginalized neighborhoods. The six stages of the model are as follows: (1) targeting; (2) contact and communication; (3) consultation and negotiation; (4) program development; (5) program implementation; and (6) progression. Evidence of the effectiveness of the partnership model's effectiveness is the successful partnership between the Centre for Adult and Continuing Education at the National University of Ireland and a large number of community-based groups to empower poor and working-class residents of marginalized neighborhoods to embark on a "progressive ladder of learning" culminating in various certificates, diplomas, and degrees. (Contains nine references.)(MN)