)
The future is what you make it
Thinking about what you’ll do after your Leaving Certificate? Further Education and Training (FET) could be your next step. Available in every county through your local Education and Training Board (ETB), there are so many exiciting options for you in your local area.
FET is becoming the first choice for a greater number of school leavers across the country. Today’s FET pathways, from post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses and apprenticeships to the innovative Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree programmes, are empowering people to take control of their future careers outside of the points system.
PLC courses available in every county
)
With courses available through your local ETB, you don’t have to move away from home or travel long distances to continue your education after school.
Contact your local ETB or search online to find courses on offer near you.
Why take the PLC Route?
No matter what stage you are at in navigating what’s next after the Leaving Certificate, FET can take you where you want to go.
PLC courses offers a flexible and practical pathway that is available outside of the points system and can help you to find the right next step after school.
Typically ranging from 1 to 2 years, PLCs are full-time programmes leading to an award QQI Level 5 and 6.
A Route to Higher Education |
Time to Explore your Options |
Preparation for Employment |
|
Upon successful completion, PLCs can offer progression pathways to university, and can help prepare you for university study by helping you to build your academic skills. - Daithi, St. Conleth's Community College, Dublin Graduate. |
Whether you want to try out a field before applying to a degree, FET gives you the time and flexibility to explore different career paths without having to commit to applying to a four- year degree. - Cerra, Kerry College, Killorglin FET Graduate. |
FET provides real-world skills to prepare you for the workplace. Many courses include work placements, helping you build the experience and confidence needed for your career. - Anjaleen, Dunboyne College of Further Education Meath Graduate. |
Check out PLC Learner Stories
Lauren, Dunboyne College of Further Education
FET college graduate, Lauren on how her PLC course in Business helped her find her way.
)
Felix, City of Dublin FET college, Inchicore Campus Graduate
Felix on how completing a Level 6 PLC in Business and Human Resource Management in Inchicore College (City of Dublin FET College Southwest Campus) helped him progress to his degree in Human Resource Management.
)
Tracey, Rathmines College of Further Education Graduate
Tracey on how doing a PLC course in Rathmines College helped her decide that pursuing a career in business was the right decision for her.
)
Holly, Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) Graduate
DIFE graduate Holly on how choosing to do a FET course right in her local area gave her the skills and knowledge to excel in her Law degree.
)
Graduate Testimonials
)
Megan: from Youthreach to University
Megan currently studying a degree in Mathematical Sciences degree in TU Dublin, took the FET route when she made the decision to pursue the mathematical career path and returned to education. Completing a FET course gave her the confidence and opportunity to pursue a degree in university.
Read Megan's story.
)
Chris' Journey from the Leaving Certificate to USI President
Chris applied for the Sports and Recreation course in Kerry College of further education as he found it was a brilliant route he could take in order to get into University instead of repeating his leaving Cert.
)
Chelsea: from retail to a Law degree
Chelsea completed a PLC course in Office Administration and Reception Skills at Coláiste Íde College of Further Education which led her to discover her passion for learning. She is now in her final year of a Law Degree in DCU.
)
Apprenticeships
There are 87 apprenticeship programmes available nationwide across 17 different sectors. Apprenticeships are considered a valued mode of learning that allow participants to earn while they learn across a range of traditional craft apprenticeships such as Electrical and Plumbing to the newer consortium led apprenticeships including Accountancy, Software Development.
Newly launched apprenticeships in 2026 include: Civil Engineering (Level 8), Quantity Surveying (Level 8), Business and Operations (Level 6) and Social Care (Level 8).
Find out more at www.apprenticeship.ie.
Tertiary Bachelor’s Degrees
Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree pathways are co-designed and co-delivered by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and Higher Education Institutions to provide seamless pathways from Further Education and Training (FET) to Higher Education. There are currently 78 Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree pathways open to applications for the academic year 2026/2027.
They will be delivered across 16 ETBs and 12 HEIs in 24 counties nationwide. Amongst the new options available to students are Primary Teaching, nursing pathways and business courses.
Find out more at www.nto.ie.
Green Skills
Research from the SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) shows that 75% of employment in Ireland now requires some level of green skills, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability across all sectors of the economy.
FET offers extensive opportunities to for school leavers to develop green skills and access growing employment opportunities. A wide range of courses are available locally through the 16 ETBs across the country, in areas including: Biodiversity & environment, Construction & built environment, Tourism & hospitality, Engineering, energy & manufacturing and more.
Explore FET on CAO.ie/options
You can access information about FET and Apprenticeships, as well as Higher Education options at CAO.ie/options.
Explore information on Apprenticeships at apprenticeship.ie.
)
)
)
)
)
)