PLCS & further education

Your Guide to Post Leaving Cert Courses and Further Education

What is a plc?

What: A PLC is a Post Leaving Certificate course. They tend to be level 5/6 courses. Most are run by a local Education & Training Board (ETB) PLCs tend to be very practical and usually combine and include work experience, studying and other skill and competency building.

Why: PLC courses are great way to get qualifications, get experience and get a taste of the career or course you may want to pursue. They are also another avenue to enter a third level course if you did get the points in the leaving cert for example.

Cost: There is no participation fee for a PLC but there may be some additional fees depending on the course and college. (some exemptions may be available depending on specific circumstances)

Where: You can find PLCs by searching for your local ETB or on Qualifax.ie

Some courses lead directly to third level courses, others are a route to third level but it is not guaranteed as you may have to get a specific grade or there will be limited places.

qualifax: plc courses

Popular PLCs include:

  • Healthcare: Nursing Studies, Pharmacy Assistant, healthcare assistance courses

  • Business: Accounting & Marketing, Business & Accounting, Business Studies

  • Art: Fashion, Graphic Design, Art & Crafts

  • Tourism, Fitness & Sport: Sports and Nutrition, Pilates, Tourguiding, Yoga, Travel & Airline Studies

  • Hair & Beauty: Hairdressing, Make Up Artistry

  • Animal Care: Animal sciences, Horsemanship

  • Computer Science: Cybersecurity, Software development, Programming

  • Administration: Office Admin, Legal Secretary, Admin with Medical Terminology

  • Childcare: Early Childhood studies, Childcare & SNA Studies

apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great option for anyone who loves being practical and doing hands on work. Apprenticeships aren’t just for those going into trades such as construction but also in areas such as finance, insurance, hairdressing and more.

Apprenticeships are great as you get to learn and earn at the same time. At least half of an apprenticeship is done on the job alongside learning in a company or training body/college. Apprenticeships can found via your local ETB, further education colleges or directly from workplace.

Apprenticeship.ie

There are over 66 different types of apprenticeships available in Ireland which you can view by clicking on ‘apprenticeship.ie’

Some apprenticeships have eligibility requirements based on the programme. The minimum age is 16-18 for more apprenticeships.
You can freephone 1800 794 487 for support and guidance on apprenticeships.