By Guidance Counsellor Niamh Dwyer

Recent data from the Central Statistics Office (CAO) reveal that just over half of Leaving Cert students go straight onto a CAO-listed course.

Approximately 56% of school leavers accept a CAO offer and progress directly into courses in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). There are several reasons for this, the most obvious one being the huge variety and a growing awareness of options now available to students upon leaving school. These include over 1,900 Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses for school leavers and adults offered by over 200 colleges of Further Education (FE) nationwide. In recent years about one in four Leaving Cert candidates has opted to do a PLC and there is a growing number of adults returning to education via the FE route.

Lots of good reasons to choose a PLC

Many Leaving Cert students find it difficult to know what area they want to study in after school. PLCs offer the chance to try an area of interest out and gain work experience before committing to a three or four year degree. It also prepares students very well for progressing onto studying that area in more detail, giving a great foundation for further study. FE colleges are similar in size or a little bigger than secondary school, so getting to grips with independent learning, as well as key skills in communications, IT, referencing and research in that type of supportive environment makes the transition to third level easier. Students who may struggle to get the CAO points required for the course they are interested in should definitely consider applying for a PLC course. There are a quota of college places on lots of CAO courses reserved each year for students who use their QQI FET/FETAC results from PLC courses to apply for CAO courses. In fact, about 20% of CAO applicants each year have completed QQI FET/FETAC awards. PLCs also make good financial sense. There are no fees and students can apply for the SUSI grant if eligible.

Applying to Colleges of Further Education

Applications for PLCs are now open for autumn 2023 for Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied students, adults and mature students. Entry is not based on points and details of entry requirements can be found on FE college websites. It is possible to apply throughout the summer, but some colleges may have earlier deadlines. It is advisable to apply early as popular courses fill quickly. Begin by exploring the full list of options nationwide on www.cao.ie/options and www.fetchcourses.ie. Make sure to use the course search facility on www.careersportal.ie and on www.qualifax.ie to help narrow down the courses that are best suited to interests, skills, aptitudes and career plans. The Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and individual FE college websites also have lots of information about how to apply. For options in Kerry see www.kerrycollege.ie. Completing a PLC course greatly enhances employment opportunities and opens up pathways into Higher Education for those who wish to continue their journey in education.

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore and a member of the Kerry branch of IGC. See www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.