Every year more and more Leaving Cert students look beyond the traditional CAO route to pursue their career ambitions.
Factors such as the points-race, cost of living, scarcity of accommodation, high university drop-out rates, and shifting labour market demands are encouraging many school leavers to consider alternative pathways, such as Tertiary Degrees, as featured here recently; Post Leaving Cert Courses (PLCs); Traineeships; and Apprenticeships.
These options offer equally valuable routes to career success, providing practical skills, financial support, and real-world experience.
Over the coming weeks we will explore these alternative routes, beginning this week with Post Leaving Cert courses (PLCs).
PLC courses in Ireland play a vital role in bridging the gap between secondary education and the world of work or higher education.
These programmes, offered by Further Education and Training (FET) providers across the country, give students the opportunity to gain practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and recognized qualifications that can lead to employment or progression to third-level institutions.
PLCs are full-time programmes designed for school-leavers and adult learners returning to education.
Typically lasting one year, with some courses spanning two, they are provided by a variety of education institutes overseen by Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
These courses are delivered at Level 5 or Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are certified primarily by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), ensuring a high standard of education and training. The PLC qualification is recognised both nationally and internationally.
Many Leaving Cert students who are unsure of their next step choose PLCs to test a career choice in a supportive environment, which provides a low-risk low-cost way to explore a field of interest before committing to a full degree.
Many students go on to use the PLC to find employment, while others use it as a stepping-stone to university where PLC grades can replace the need for Leaving Cert points.
PLC courses combine classroom-based learning with practical experience.
Most include modules in communication, work experience, and a core subject area.
The focus is on hands-on learning. Most courses incorporate work-placement, giving students the chance to not only gain valuable insights into their chosen field, but also to acquire job-ready skills and competencies that are directly applicable to the workplace.
More than 30,000 Leaving Cert students did a level 5 or 6 PLC course in 2024, signing up to courses in healthcare, childcare, social care, science, education, business, sales and marketing, creative arts, law, agriculture, computing, engineering, media, hospitality and tourism, and beauty therapy, among many others.
Great facilities, supports and services are made available to PLC students. In many cases they can avail of the EU-funded Erasmus+ programme which provides opportunities for students to study, train, gain work experience or volunteer abroad.
No Fees
PLC courses are typically low-cost, especially when compared to the cost of attending university. You do not have to pay a participant contribution fee.
However, colleges offering PLC courses may have an additional ‘course charge’ to cover such expenses as books, uniforms, student services, professional registration fees and exam fees.
The amount varies from college to college. Always check with your college if there are specific charges.
Many prospective PLC students are unaware that they may apply for a student grant (SUSI). See here for previous article explaining the application process.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for PLC courses are generally flexible. Providers do not operate a points system.
Most require applicants to have completed the Leaving Certificate or an equivalent qualification, but mature applicants without formal qualifications are also considered based on their life experience and motivation.
Online applications usually open in January each year, with many remaining open until late September. In most cases, an interview is part of the application process to assess a candidate’s suitability and interest in the course.
Typically a portfolio submission or audition is required in the case of creative arts/ performance courses.
Keep in mind
While PLC courses offer many benefits, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Popular PLC courses can fill very quickly, especially those with strong links to universities or in-demand job sectors.
- Not all PLC courses have a QQI link providing a direct route to university courses. So check here if your course has a link.
- It can be confusing when trying to figure out which PLC course will be accepted by the university you want to apply to. Some accept any PLC, while many are very specific not only regarding the PLC itself but also the modules within that PLC. My advice is to spend time researching this. The only tool that matters is here. Once you find which PLC will be accepted use this website to see where that course is being run.
- Be aware that getting a university place can be a competitive process for high-demand courses. My advice is to aim for as many distinctions as you can in the eight modules you will be undertaking to complete the PLC.
Close to home
Solas, together with the country’s 16 education and training boards (ETBs), co-ordinates the provision of PLC courses.
Students are not confined to applying for courses within their own ETB area, but this can be a very attractive option for many, as it cuts down on the costs associated with staying away from home.
Five Laois Offaly Education Training Board (LOETB) centres offer PLCs, Portlaoise Institute, Abbeyleix FETC, Portarlington FETC, Tullamore FETC and Birr FETC, all offering a huge range of courses and top-notch facilities and mentors.
Courses on offer include business, law, marketing, computers, digital media, education, social studies, psychology, health, sports and fitness, art and design, horticulture, science, and engineering.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the other Martina Mulhall pieces here
