With students returning to school after the Christmas break and the preparations for the Leaving Certificate exams are gearing up a notch, so too are the discussions among students and their parents about what comes next after school.
While some students may already have a plan for their post-secondary education route in mind, others may still be considering their options or are unsure of their next step. Regardless of where on this journey a student may be, it is important to remind students and their families there have never been more pathways available to prepare them for the career they want after school. Fast becoming a prime destination for school leavers, Further Education and Training (FET) is available in every county through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and is a valuable and recognised post-secondary learning pathway. Outside of the points system, FET offers a wealth of smart choices that are well positioned to lead students on to a world of exciting careers.
Solas, the further education and training authority, has noted record growth and demand for FET in recent years with the learner base growing by more than 17 per cent in 2023 and data showing further growth in 2024. One in 10 adults in Ireland were engaged in FET and apprenticeships in 2023.
Within this, increasing numbers of students are choosing the FET route, with almost 30,000 leaving students starting on QQI Level 5 and 6 courses, (also known as a post-Leaving Certificate, or plc, course) in 2024.
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FET graduate and third year mathematical sciences student from Drogheda, Megan Dooley, is one of a growing cohort of school leavers who are choosing to take the plc route.
“I had a number of things I wanted to do after school that I struggled to narrow down to just one, and eventually just decided to choose something I’d enjoy studying instead of trying to decide what career I’d like.”
Megan came across FET initially through her local Youthreach, located in the Laytown/Bettystown area. Through the support she received here, she was encouraged to apply to a QQI Level 5 mechanical engineering course locally at the Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE).
Following the successful completion of her mechanical engineering course, Megan completed a further QQI Level 5 early childhood care and education with special needs in DIFE.
For those unsure of their next step after school, FET can offer students the opportunity to set their own pace and explore a subject or interest before making a commitment to apply to a four-year degree. With a course duration of one to two years, plc programmes provide learners with that extra time to develop their confidence and take stock of what kind of career they really want, all while gaining a recognised qualification.
After two years spent working in the childcare sector, Megan made the decision to pursue the mathematical career path and returned to education. Through the earlier qualification in mechanical engineering, she applied to study at degree level and is now in her third year studying mathematical sciences in TU Dublin. For Megan, taking the plc route after school, helped to prepare her for taking that leap into studying at degree level.
“Completing the course gave me the confidence and opportunity to pursue a degree in university, as well as providing me with academic skills that have contributed to my studies in university.”
Research suggests that studying a FET course first can prepare students better for going into university, ultimately giving them a greater chance of completing their degree. We know that evidence points to the fact that FET graduates are less likely to drop out of higher education. Many students like Megan find that they gain a huge amount from the extra year through the development of their skills in research, presentations, writing and communication skills.
“I think that plcs can aid people in making decisions about their future, and help to ease the transition from second- to third-level education.”
In addition to offering progression opportunities into university, FET also provides a diverse range of courses that can take students directly into careers in areas such as animal care, science, engineering, culinary arts, fashion buying and beauty industry, to name but a few.
Megan has since gone on to win the Kastus Scholarship for Women in Mathematics and Statistics at TU Dublin and is looking forward to a bright future ahead. Her advice for Leaving Certificate students who are navigating next steps after school is informed by her own experience of exploring and finding the path that works for her.
“I think people have this idea that they have to decide, at 17/18 years old, what they want to do for the rest of their lives and that’s just not true. You have your whole life to do as many, or as few, different jobs or careers as you’d like. Just choose what you want to do for right now, and if/when you change your mind, do something else.”
Leaving Certificate students can find a world of opportunities through FET and apprenticeships, with more than 1,500 FET courses delivered by the ETB network at Levels 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and more than 75 apprenticeship programmes.
Learn more at thisisfet.ie or by contacting your local ETB