A number of PLC colleges offer pre-apprenticeship and crafts courses in the woodwork area. For instance, the Liberties College, Dublin, has a one-year craft foundation course leading to an NCVA level 2 award. The year includes four crafts: jewellery, ceramics, metal craft and woodcraft.

College teacher Ted Burns says that the entry requirement is Leaving Cert and candidates are also interviewed. If there are lots of applicants, an aptitude test may be included.

Practical subjects such as construction studies and art would be an advantage but not a prerequisite, he says.

After first year, students may use NCVA qualifications to apply for third-level courses. They can also proceed to an advanced course in Plunket College, Dublin, where they specialise in one of the four areas (these courses are certified by the CDVEC) - or they may choose to enter the workplace. Many of the students are offered employment through work experience, says Burns.

Plunket College offers a carpentry and joinery course aimed at those who want to secure an apprenticeship. Course co-ordinator Jim Mulligan says there are 20 first-year places on the course which leads to an NCVA level 2 qualification. Students spend each Friday on work experience, an arrangement which facilitates students from outside Dublin.

It's difficult to secure an apprenticeship even with the economic boom, says Mulligan, so students who have shown the commitment necessary to complete a PLC course should be at an advantage when it comes to convincing employers of their interest.

It's also possible to use the links scheme to progress to third level but, says Mulligan, most of the students are interested in an apprenticeship rather than going on to higher education. The college is currently accepting applications for the course and there will be interviews next month.