Each year many students secure places on their dream course through the CAO, not based on their Leaving Cert points but rather using the results they have achieved by completing a Post Leaving Cert (PLC) course in a College of Further Education & Training (FET).

In 2020, 12,556 applicants to CAO for places in colleges and universities around the country presented with QQI/FET (or FETAC) qualifications with over 4,000 of such applicants being offered by CAO in early August. A quota of places (up to 10%) is reserved on many CAO courses for students applying on the bases of the QQI/FET points achieved in exams after completing one year of a PLC. There are also extensive options for graduates of PLC courses to apply for college/university places in the UK through UCAS, and throughout Europe. In all cases, places are offered on a competitive basis.

PATHWAYS

While progression routes are not available into every course on CAO, the number of pathways is increasing each year. Progression is not guaranteed but doing as well as possible in QQI/FETAC exams gives you a great chance to secure a place on a Level 6, 7 or 8 course by applying to CAO once you have completed the course. The other thing you need to check is the entry requirements for QQI/FETAC applicants. In some cases applicants can apply from any PLC course while there are a number of CAO courses that will look for a certain number of distinctions and require that you have completed specific PLC courses and modules.

OPTIONS

There are several ways to check out the PLC options available, the progression routes available and the CAO entry requirements for QQI/FETAC applicants. To check out the extensive range of PLC courses available nationwide, check out www.fetchcourses.ie. To explore what is available more locally, check out your local Education and Training Board (ETB) and in the case of Kerry students make sure to check out www.kerrycollege.ie. You will find the most up to date information about QQI/FETAC progression routes in that section of www.cao.ie. You can search using the code of the PLC course you are considering and also search using code for the CAO course that you are interested in progressing onto. Remember not all CAO courses have reserved places from QQI/FET applicants, but many do! You will find a really helpful resource on www.careersportal.ie/courses/progression_routes and you can check the college websites for more information on entry requirements and the number of places available.

These attractive progression routes are not the only reason why doing a PLC is a great idea. Entry to the programmes is not based on Leaving Cert points. You get a great foundation in your chosen area before you commit to three or four years of study, making the first year of Higher Education more manageable as you gain valuable work experience and in many cases you can access PLC courses very close to home. If you haven’t done so already you can apply now directly to the individual FET college by logging on to their website. Places are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis, so apply sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

​​​​​​​Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Career Consultant. For details see www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.