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Smart Choices
Study abroad in the Netherlands and Italy: ‘It all started with a leap of faith’
Even if the international experiences don’t tempt you, the cheaper tuition fees and sunshine just might
Education abroad: ‘Moving from Limerick to Dublin as it used to be is now like moving from Ireland to the Netherlands’
Most universities on the Continent pay little heed to points a student has accrued in the Leaving Cert
Why are so many school leavers, and parents, oblivious to the existence and benefits of the Further Education system?
There’s a big rise in school leavers choosing Further Education and Training courses and apprenticeships as a first destination after the Leaving Cert
How can new students get the best from their college experience?
Societies are a great source of community which is important when coping with the big changes of being away from home
Should you be considering further education and training as an attractive pathway?
‘The message to learners is that it’s never too late to learn ... we should all rethink what success looks like’
A to Z: what you need to know about further education and training
From apprenticeships to national tertiary degrees and work experience, here’s a quick guide to the many available routes outside CAO
‘I took a non-traditional route through further education that helped me decide what I wanted’
Starting fast and traditionally is not for everyone; Lee O’Connor is one such late developer
‘I fell 11 points short of the course I wanted and went down the PLC route’
Amy Moore on going down the route of a PLC course
What is an apprenticeship - and what are the benefits?
A student is not contracted to an employer and is not paid, whereas an apprentice is, but a student has more time to socialise and join clubs
‘You have to like people’ – why should you study physiotherapy?
To qualify as a physiotherapist in Ireland, 1,000 hours of clinical placements need to be completed
‘A great option’: The rise of FET courses – and whether they’re right for you
More students are choosing alternative routes such as PLCs, apprenticeships and new tertiary degree programmes
Advice on life in college: ‘Always start writing that report earlier than you think you need to’
Recent TCD and UL graduates offer advice for incoming first years, as well as some professional tips and regrets
My daughter struggles with school but loves fixing things. Would an apprenticeship suit her?
CAO points are not a requirement for the thriving engineering sector which provides excellent career opportunities
I narrowly missed out on my first-choice CAO course. Is there another route to university?
There are still options to secure the course of your dreams – even if you didn’t get a CAO offer
CAO 2024: Here’s how to respond to an offer
Over 80,000 applicants have registered their aspiration for a place on one of more than a thousand courses on offer at Ireland’s third-level institutions.
Should I consider a traineeship?
This option can offer numerous benefits which can significantly affect your career development
How to budget for further education
Effective financial planning is essential for students to develop a realistic budget
Should I consider an apprenticeship?
This option can provide an opportunity to earn a wage while gaining valuable skills and qualifications
Kick-starting your career on completing further education
Taking advantage of ‘work-integrated learning opportunities’ allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings
Should I consider a Post Leaving Certificate course?
Full-time programmes for those who have finished second level and adults returning to education
‘Each student has the ability to tailor their degree to their own interests’
Pádraig Corrigan (21) from Newry enrolled in the Leiden University College in the Hague.
Evolving career routes boost options for school-leavers
For a programme of study to be successful, it must be a good fit for the student’s strengths and aptitudes
Alternative pathways to education
An increasing number of opportunities are available for people to further their education outside of the CAO points race
Should I consider a Post Leaving Cert course?
Post-Leaving Cert courses provide job-specific training that allows students to progress into the workforce, or provide a stepping stone to higher education
EU citizens are entitled to study at any EU university under the same conditions as nationals
Entry requirements in many European universities are generally lower compared to Irish universities
Nursing: one of the most rewarding professions
Nursing offers a career where you can directly impact people’s lives and make a tangible difference
From Kiltimagh to Uzbekistan: One Mayo man’s journey to a degree in agricultural science
Unsure about what path to take after the Leaving Cert Sean McGreal sat down with Westport College of Further Education
‘I chose Warsaw based on its large Irish student population’
Studying overseas: Gregory Hendricken Phelan (23) from the Carlow-Wicklow border is in his final year at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Many apprentices are now on higher salaries than college graduates. Is snobbery around ‘earn and learn’ options fading?
Record numbers chose apprenticeships last year, with starting salaries for many now exceeding college graduates
‘Early on, I knew that college was not for me’: The different routes to your career
‘I do get asked: do you feel that you missed out on the college experience? The answer: absolutely not,’ says one apprentice
Stem courses: Demand pushes up CAO points requirements but alternative access routes are available
Undertaking a related QQI or PLC course is an excellent option for students wishing to pursue Stem courses
Further education: Everything you need to know about traineeships
Q&A: How does a traineeship work and am I eligible to apply?
Engineering apprenticeship: ‘I went from nearly failing maths in school to getting top marks in college’
How I did it: Shannon Kearney did an apprenticeship in engineering and now works as a metrology engineer
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
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