By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors

Naturally, students are really focused on finalising CAO course choices ahead of the July 1 deadline but it is important to explore all the other options available outside of this too.

Some of those options are now linked on the CAO website on www.cao.ie/options but they don’t share the July 1 deadline, are not based on Leaving Cert points and provide a huge variety of education and training opportunities in multiple areas and sectors. Many now also provide progression routes onto higher levels of qualifications on completion.

Further Education and Training

Check out the options at Post Leaving Cert (PLC) level in Colleges of Further Education. With almost 2,000 courses available nationwide there is something for everyone. See individual FET Colleges for more details or www.fetchcourses.ie. Applications for these courses are accepted up to the autumn start dates but popular courses do fill up early so don’t delay with your application.

At local level check out the extensive range of courses available at www.kerrycollege.ie. Apprenticeships are another fantastic option. Details of the 65 apprenticeships currently available can be found on apprenticeship.ie with several more under development. Openings in apprenticeships become available throughout the year. Traineeships are another great option for skills-based and employment-focused training and they also recruit throughout the year. See www.solas.ie/programmes/traineeship/ for more details and also the local Education and Training Board (ETB).

For students or adults who need a more supported journey in education and training, take a look at the wonderful opportunities offered through the National Learning Network nationwide on www.rehab.ie/national-learning-network and at local level take a look at the very successful programmes running in their Tralee centre.

Study Abroad Options

It is also still possible to apply to study outside of Ireland. To check out opportunities to study through English in Europe, go to www.eunicas.ie and ww.medicalpoland.ie. For anyone interested in applying to universities in the UK, the UCAS Clearing system opens on July 5 on www.ucas.com which always has lots of great courses open to new applicants.

So the key message to all students is to take another look at all options both within CAO and outside of it. The pathways after the Leaving Cert are many and varied and pave the way for a very bright future. Make sure to check them all out in plenty of time in order to be well positioned to move on the next and exciting part of the journey!

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 - See www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.