Over time, the idea that the CAO is the only route to further education has started to fade. The overwhelming stress caused by the Leaving Cert is driving students, teachers, and parents to consider alternative paths after school. One notable option is the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course.
What does a PLC entail?
PLC programmes are full-time and cater not only to those who have completed secondary school but also to adults resuming their education. These courses usually span from a year to two years. Unlike broader and generalised degrees, PLC coursework is practical and pinpointed. These courses offer professional training, thus preparing students for immediate job entry or higher education. The practical component of PLCs differs from one course to another, with science students, for example, spending significant time in labs for hands-on training.
In which fields can one find PLCs?
The versatility in the available study areas makes PLCs particularly attractive. Among the available subjects are business, catering, computing, sports and leisure, theatre and stage, electronics engineering. There are also opportunities to pursue equestrian studies, hairdressing and beauty care, horticulture, multimedia studies and journalism, tourism, and community care. A comprehensive list of these courses can be found at qualifax.ie.
Who is eligible for a PLC course?
More often than not, a Leaving Certificate is required to pursue a PLC degree. However, it is more accessible than university as it does not require CAO points, thus making it a suitable option for those who didn’t fare well in the Leaving Cert. It should be noted though that certain courses will have subject-specific grade requirements to secure a place. These requirements differ depending on the programme.
A person may qualify for a PLC course even without completion of their Leaving Cert, particularly if they have relevant work experience or demonstrable skills in the related field. It would be best that they approach the college delivering the course, clearly explaining their situation, and request a meeting with the course coordinator.
How to enrol?
Initially, those interested should explore the qualifax.ie database to find a course that suits their interest. They should then apply directly to the educational establishment offering the desired course. A majority of PLCs are run by local education and training boards. Applicants might be invited for an informal interview where they can discuss their course interests.
Offers are provided prior to the release of the Leaving Cert results and are contingent on the applicant fulfilling the course’s entry requirements, which differ according to the course and institution.
What qualifications will I gain?
The qualifications vary depending on the chosen course. Before enrollment, potential students should verify the qualifications associated with the intended course to ensure it aligns with their post-qualification plans. Many one-year courses provide QQI Level 5 accreditation, recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications. Other advanced courses may offer QQI Level 6 certification, potentially paving a path to further tertiary studies.
Can I secure employment immediately after PLC?
Yes, immediate employment is a possibility after course completion. However, this largely depends on the chosen course and targeted industry. The State body Solas, overseeing further education and training, conducted a outcomes study of PLC graduates. It discovered that 64% of the 2014/2015 graduates secured “significant employment” by 2016, a 10% increase in three years. Additionally, 27% of these graduates pursued further education, enrolling in higher education a year after graduation.
Graduates predominantly find jobs in the wholesale and retail industry (30%), followed by the hospitality industry (19%) and then the health and social work sectors (13%). Yet, gainful employment is not the sole destination for learners who complete a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course. Many utilise these programs as a conduit to university education, given many universities offer specific admission avenues for PLC graduates.
What advantages do PLCs offer?
Plenty, to be frank. They serve as an ideal exploration tool for those unsure of their career aspirations, offering a real-world glimpse into different subject matters. They are typically shorter and cheaper than a university degree, increasing accessibility for traditionally underrepresented demographics in tertiary education.
If your A-level results didn’t meet your prospective university’s requirements, PLCs provide an alternative pathway, as numerous courses have direct progression routes to university degrees, positioning them as stepping stones towards specific qualifications.
What are the financial implications?
From September 2022, participation fees for PLC courses have been waived. Formerly, colleges would impose additional charges to cover costs like books, student services, professional registration, and examinations. But the cost varies from institution to institution, and everyone is expected to bear these expenses.
Fortunately, additional funding assigned in the 2024 budget legislation will remove these extra costs from September 2024 onwards.
Are there financial aid options?
Yes, indeed. Aid can be available to eligible students. Depending on individual circumstances, a PLC learner could be eligible for an education grant or the Susi student grant. For back-to-education allowance qualification, one needs to be above 21, receiving social welfare payments for a defined duration, and have gained acceptance onto an appropriate course.
Moreover, Ukrainian refugees, as per the EU Temporary Protection Directive, can seek financial assistance through the 2023-2024 PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme.
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