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If you are considering your options when your exams are over you could consider a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course to gain some knowledge and skills in a certain area.
There are a wide range of PLC courses available in different fields of study. A PLC course is great for someone who is looking to gain skills in a specific area, or who is still trying to decide what sort of job or university degree could be best suited to them.
A PLC course is usually a full-time course for post-secondary students that last from one to two years. They are held in community education centres, schools and colleges around the country.
PLC courses tend to be targeted towards specific jobs. About half of your time on the course is spent on knowledge and training directly related to employment. You will also have the opportunity to go on work experience as part of the course, giving you hands-on experience in a job you’re interested in.
Whether you want to go on to further education, or you’re hoping to dive straight into work, the skills and experience gained from doing a PLC can be very beneficial.
The awards offered by PLC courses include FETAC Level 5, FETAC Level 6 and some City and Guilds qualifications.
What you do next is up to you. You could start looking for work or applying for an apprenticeship in the area your course was in.
Some PLC courses will qualify you to go on to further education at third level, so if you’d like to keep studying, you can look into the college courses you can move on to.
PLC courses are suitable for anyone that has left secondary school and wants to develop practical, vocational or technological skills. The courses are also suitable for adults who want to update their skills or return to the workforce.
If you have not done your Leaving Cert, but have relevant work experience, you may still be eligible for a PLC. Ask to meet with the course co-ordinator and explain your circumstances.
Find a course that you are interested in by searching on the Further Education Training and Courses Hub. Then apply directly to the school, college or adult education centre offering the course. You may be called for an interview to discuss the course and to find out more about it.
Have a look at the PLC section of the SUSI student grant website to find out if you’re eligible for a grant.
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