Post Leaving Certificate courses are usually one-year programmes (mainly QQI Level 5 and 6 ) which are delivered by further education colleges all over Ireland. Some of the larger further education colleges in Galway include Galway Technical Institute, Galway Community College, Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar and Glenamaddy Community School, which collectively provide a vast range of PLC courses.
Information on all PLC courses in Galway and across Ireland is available on www.fectch.ie Post Leaving Certificate courses are practical, flexible programmes which cost between €40–€1,000 to enrol and secure a place. Some PLC courses are covered by the SUSI maintenance grant, but you must apply for the grant in advance.
PLC courses are designed for students who have completed secondary education or those considering returning to college. Some providers will accept students or adults without a Leaving Certificate, so it is important to do your research and enquire.
I would advise anyone who is unsure about their college course or wants to try a new course in a subject they have never studied before to consider a PLC course. I would also recommend a PLC course to anyone thinking of a career change. PLC courses offer flexible, practical options that allow students to gain a greater understanding of subjects such as Law, Software Development, Physiotherapy and Accounting.
Some PLC courses, such as beauty therapy and special needs assistance, offer job-specific skills that allow graduates to secure employment on graduation in areas such as hairdressing, beauty therapy and dog grooming. Many PLC courses also offer work placements and Erasmus exchanges so that students can apply theoretical learning in a practical work setting.
PLC courses generally start in September and finish in May. Some courses are offered on a hybrid or part-time basis, and others run in the evening to accommodate students who are working.
On completion of a PLC course, students can apply for Level 8-degree programmes and use their PLC course Level 5 or 6 as an alternative entry route to higher education. This pathway can be used for Level 8 degree courses at institutions such as the University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, among others. Pre-apprenticeship courses also provide pathways for those considering apprenticeships.
Most further education colleges have their own guidance counsellors on hand to support students with career-related queries and to assist them in planning their educational or occupational pathways. These services typically include one-to-one career guidance sessions, assistance with course selection, information on progression routes to higher education and advice on employment opportunities. Guidance Counsellors help students evaluate their interests and skills, identify suitable academic or vocational pathways and make informed decisions regarding future study or career options.
Many adults and students enrol in PLC courses as ‘passion projects’. Examples include wood and craft design (GRETB ), landscape construction and design (GRETB ), baking (ATU ) and barista skills, offered by the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board.
Applications are made directly to the relevant colleges (not through the Central Applications Office ). Some popular courses fill quickly, so early application and contact with your local college are recommended.
Claire Murphy is a Guidance Counsellor at GalwayGuidance and can be contacted at [email protected].
