Gradually, there is an increasing awareness that the CAO isn’t the only avenue for furthering one’s education. The Leaving Cert, it’s commonly agreed, adds substantial stress to those pursuing it. Consequently, post school opportunities are now being explored more than ever by students, teachers, and parents. An example is the Post-Leaving Certificate course or PLC.
PLC is an acronym for courses designed for individuals who have completed their second-level education or adults making a return to education. Typically, PLC courses are full-time and take between one and two years to complete.
Compared to wider, more generalised degree programmes, PLC courses are more focused and practical. These courses provide specialised training for specific jobs, thus enabling students to either join the workforce immediately or use the course as a stepping stone to higher education.
Many PLC courses incorporate practical experience, but this aspect varies depending on the course. For instance, a considerable amount of time for science students is dedicated to laboratory work, giving them practical experience before they complete their course.
PLC courses are offered in an extensive range of areas. These include, but are not limited to, business, electronics engineering, computing, catering, sport and leisure, and theatre and stage. Other subjects on offer range from equestrian studies, multimedia studies, journalism, tourism, childcare, community care, hairdressing and beauty care, to horticulture, among others. Detailed courses information can be located on qualifax.ie.
Generally, a completed Leaving Certificate is the minimum requirement for PLC eligibility. However, unlike universities, PLC courses do not require CAO points, making them more accessible to individuals who did not achieve their Leaving Cert as planned. Nevertheless, some courses necessitate specific subject grades for enrolment, with these prerequisites varying depending on the programme.
A person may be eligible to enrol onto a Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) course without having finished their Leaving Certificate, provided they have related work experience or demonstrable skills in the field. To do this, the individual needs to communicate with the college where the course is to be conducted, explain their situation, and arrange a meeting with the course coordinator.
How does one enrol?
Anyone wishing to enrol on a PLC must first browse the qualifax.ie database to find the most appealing course, and then apply to the educational institute hosting the course. PLCs are often held at local education and training councils.
Potential students may be invited to an interview before being selected for the course. Although informal, the interview is a chance to discuss personal interest in the course. Course offers are typically conditional on applicants fulfilling entrance criteria and are usually made before the Leaving Certificate results are published.
What certification is provided?
This is contingent on the specific course selection. Applicants should verify the accreditations connected with their preferred course before enrolling to ascertain that it fulfils their post-qualification ambition.
Many of the one-year programmes provide Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) certification at level five on the National Framework of Qualifications. Other, more advanced courses may offer QQI level six, potentially opening up pathways to further tertiary education.
Can one begin work following completion of a PLC?
Absolutely, although this largely depends on the nature of the course and the sector one is intending to work in.
Solas, the State organisation overseeing further education and training, has conducted extensive research on outcomes for PLC graduates. For instance, it was found that 64% of the 2014-2015 PLC graduates were in ‘significant employment’ in 2016, a rise of 10% over the preceding three years. As for the same set, 27% of these graduates continued their studies at a higher level, one year after graduation.
The retail and wholesale sector is the leading employer for graduates, accounting for 30 per cent, followed by the accommodation and food service sector (19 per cent) and the human health and social work sector (13 per cent). Interestingly though, receiving employment isn’t the only purpose of completing a PLC. Many individuals utilise these courses as a means to progress towards higher education, since universities often provide specific access routes for PLC finishers.
Wondering about the advantages of a PLC? There are plenty to consider. For instance, a PLC is an ideal platform for individuals who are undecided about their preferred career path. It gives them the opportunity to understand what studying certain subjects in reality feels like. In addition, PLCs are shorter and less costly than a university degree, making them more obtainable for individuals who have been historically underrepresented in tertiary education.
Importantly for those who didn’t do as well as they had hoped in their Leaving Certificate, PLCs offer an excellent alternative. Many offer ways to university degrees, thus they can serve as a pathway to secure the desired degree.
In terms of cost, good news awaits PLC learners. From September 2022, PLC enrollees are exempt from paying a participant contribution fee. However, each learner is required to pay an extra course charge that colleges typically levy to cover costs such as books, uniforms, student services, professional registration fees, and exams. This fee varies from one institution to another. More good news is on the horizon – from September 2024, these charges will be abolished thanks to increased funding announced in Budget 2024.
As for financial aid, further support could be available for eligible individuals. Based on personal circumstances, a PLC learner could receive financial support in the form of back-to-education allowance, or the commonly known Susi student grant. To qualify for back to education, a candidate must be at least 21 years old, have been receiving a qualifying social welfare payment for a specified duration, and have successfully enrolled onto a qualifying course. And for Ukrainian refugees who fall under the European Union Temporary Protection Directive, there is financial support through the PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2023-2024.
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