Donegal-based Guidance Counsellor Rory White from Careers Advice Northwest shares all you need to know about Post Leaving Certificate Courses and how they can be an excellent options for school leavers:
What are PLC courses?
Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are usually full-time, one year long courses at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications. They provide learners with an internationally recognised qualification which can be used for entry level employment or for progression to further study.
Where can I study a PLC course?
PLC courses can be studied throughout the country with many course areas to choose from. In Donegal there are several PLC options offered by Donegal ETB.
Errigal College in Letterkenny runs FIVE courses-
- Early Childhood Care and Education
- Business Studies
- Art, Craft & Design
- Health Service Skills and
- Construction Technology
Finn Valley College in Stranorlar runs FOUR courses-
- Early Childhood Care and Education
- Sport, Recreation and Exercise
- Business Administration
- Construction Technology
St Catherine’s Vocational School in Killybegs runs TWO courses-
- Nursing Studies
- Early Childhood Care and Education
There are also Colleges of Further Education in our neighbouring counties Sligo, Cavan and Monaghan with many more options further afield. Some private institutions also have courses on offer.
How do I apply?
PLC courses are not part of the CAO system so points are not required and it is free to apply. Applicants interested in the Donegal based courses can apply through the CourseFinder on Donegal ETB’s website or through the www.fetchcourses.ie website.
More information can be obtained by contacting any of the three schools-
- Errigal College- 074 912 1047
- Finn Valley College- 074 913 1684
- St. Catherine’s Vocational School- 074 973 1491
Applications for other PLC courses can be made directly to the institution involved.
Are there any costs involved?
A one year PLC course will cost approximately 10% of what a year in Higher Education will cost. Courses provided by Donegal ETB are subject to a €100 registration fee which covers the cost of books, photocopying and insurance. There is also a government levy of €200 and a QQI examination fee of €50. Medical card holders, SUSI grant eligible students and Back to Education applicants are exempt from the latter two costs. Students who are eligible can avail of the SUSI grant for their PLC year and can continue receive the grant if and when they continue on to college, providing the student is progressing up the NFQ ladder (i.e. from Level 5 onto a Level 6/7/8).
Why should I consider doing a PLC?
There are several reasons why students choose to study a PLC course. Some students may not feel ready to progress to college due to age or not being fully sure what they want to do. The Leaving Certificate may not have worked out for some students and very often PLC is a much better option than repeating. Some students might like to sample a career area before committing to a four year degree or perhaps some are looking for a qualification that can lead directly into employment.
What are the benefits of studying a PLC?
There are many benefits to studying PLC courses. A key element of PLC courses is the built-in work experience which must be undertaken in a related work environment. (e.g. A childcare student will work in a childcare setting) Work experience is usually one day per week however, some may take the form of block release. Work Experience is a great way to really get to know what is involved in a career area while it also provides much sought after experience for your CV.
PLC courses also offer excellent preparation for college as the modules operate in much the same way as in third level. ICT skills are greatly improved over the year. In the Communications module, common to all PLC courses, students learn presentation and interview skills which are excellent skills transferable to both college and the workplace.
What are my progression options after doing a PLC?
PLC graduates have a range of options after successfully completing their course. Many can directly enter the world of work with a good qualification and recent experience of their chosen career area on their CV.
For those who wish to continue onto Higher Education, there are a huge array of options to progress under the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). This scheme helps PLC graduates gain places in Higher Education Institutions throughout the country by ring-fencing places specifically for PLC applicants. For students looking to progress locally, both LYIT and IT Sligo have created many excellent PLC pathways onto their degree courses. Some very high demand degree courses, for example Nursing, will only accept specific PLC courses related to nursing and only offer a very small quota of places. However, there are well over 1,300 courses (and counting!) nationwide that will accept any PLC course for entry.
This video from Careers Portal gives details on how to use their excellent CourseFinder tool to explore all the progression options available to PLC students.
Where can I get further information?
As always for school leavers, your school Guidance Counsellor is the best person to talk to about the PLC options open to you. Careers Portal have a comprehensive section dedicated to PLC. For those wishing to return to education, Donegal ETB’s excellent Adult Guidance Service can be contacted at 074 917 8088 or you can get in touch directly with the PLC providers.
Rory has been a Guidance Counsellor at Finn Valley College for the past 10 years and is a member of the Donegal Branch of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
Rory offers a comprehensive career guidance service based in Ballybofey through Careers Advice Northwest, for appointments contact: www.facebook.com/careersadvicenorthwest
He also offers advice for students on careersportal.ie
Applying for college or changing careers is one of the most important and exciting decisions someone can make, and Rory will be here to offer advice and top tips on the many options that are available.
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