There are also one-year full time NCVA level 2 courses in call centre operations which do not require a foreign placement. These courses (course code BCC0X), which are offered at Post Leaving Certificate level, are linked with national certificate and diplomas in three third-level colleges - Galway Mayo IT, Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute and Tralee IT.

This is part of a national links scheme whereby some 2000 first-year places in institutes of technology are reserved for NCVA level 2 applicants. These applicants do not have to compete with school leavers on the basis of points. If you're choosing a course on the basis of its linkage with a third-level certificate or diploma you should make sure of all details of the linkage, including any special module requirements.

If you're interested in a course in call centre operations, there is no central applications body for PLC courses so you should contact your local VEC or PLC provider. Applicants should be of Leaving Certificate standard and places are not allocated on the basis of points. Eligible students can apply for maintenance grants.