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Advice to Leaving Certificate Students from FET Graduates
With the Leaving Certificate results received and the CAO first round offers available, it’s important for school leavers across the country to remember that there are so many pathways to think about when considering taking their next steps after school. We know that while many students are excited about the future ahead, many also might be unsure of what will come next.
To help ease your mind, we have complied advice from Further Education and Training (FET) graduates. Now excelling in their career paths, whether they chose FET as stepping stone into university or employment, they are proof that FET can help to get you where you want to go after school.
Holly, Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) FET Graduate
Holly always dreamed of studying law and found another pathway into her dream field through a Pre-University Law programme at Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) in her local area despite missing out on the points for university.
Her advice is to “enjoy the process of getting to where you want to be. Whatever course you want to do and you're passionate about, there's always an alternative route to get there.”
After completing her course in DIFE, Holly progressed to a Law degree in Trinity and will be graduating this coming May.
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Sean, Westport College FET Graduate
Sean wasn’t sure what to do after his Leaving Certificate and was uncertain if committing to a four-year degree was the right decision for him. He decided to take the PLC route and study Animal Care in Westport College. He advises students to “try and look into and expose yourself to as many different types of courses as possible.”
Since completing his PLC course, Sean has gone on to complete his undergraduate degree and a Masters. He is established in a career that he loves in the Agriculture industry.
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Ceara, Kerry College FET Graduate
Ceara on the other hand decided to take some time out to explore her options with a PLC in Yoga and Holistic Studies in Kerry College. Her advice is to “to experiment and explore.” And this approach in her own life led her to find a route that suited her better through FET. She is now studying English Literature in the Netherlands while using the skills and knowledge gained in her Yoga course to earn while studying.
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Anthony, Drogheda Institute of Further Education FET Graduate
Anthony initially progressed to Higher Education after school but dropped out in his first year when he realised that a career in Biopharmaceutical wasn’t for him. He advises students to “not be in a rush to make your mind up like this is your path. It's your story, it's who you want to be. You don't have to fall into like a certain bracket.”
After speaking with a guidance counsellor in DIFE, Anthony decided to try out a pre-university Business and Accounting PLC course. The year in DIFE helped him to realise that business was the career path for him, while giving him the confidence to progress to a Level 8 in Business Studies in DCU. He is now heading into his final year in Business Studies after completing a one-year internship in Enterprise Ireland.
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If you’re a student feeling unsure of what you want to do after the Leaving Certificate,, remember there’s more than one way to your dream career path. Explore your options at thisisfet.ie/localcourses or contact your local Education and Training Board (ETB) to find out about available courses.