Whether you’re going into your final year of school in 2027 or you’ve just finished your Leaving Certificate this year, you may be wondering what your employment or further education options are. There are many career paths you can take and when it comes to picking a college, apprenticeship, training, or work options, it can feel very daunting to take that first step.
Remember, the choice you make now doesn’t have to be forever. It’s okay to start along one career path and then decide it’s not for you.
The big question for many young people is: What now?
That’s where the Citizens Information Leaving School Guide comes in, this booklet covers: College and further education options; How to apply for college; Getting a student grant and other financial supports; Where to find apprenticeships; Finding somewhere to live; Starting a job for the first time; Taking a year out.
Zach Worrall, Development Manager, Galway CIC stated: “When deciding what you want to do after school, think about things that interest you. These can be school subjects, hobbies or activities, or anything at all. There are many career sectors, and with so much choice, you may feel overwhelmed. It can help to look at the sectors broadly to see if anything grabs your interest”.
Career sectors can be grouped under seven main categories: (1 ) Agriculture, Animals and Food; (2 ) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ), Environment and Construction; (3 ) Healthcare, Wellbeing and Sport; (4 ) Creative Arts, Fashion and Media; (5 ) Government, Law and Education; (6 ) Accountancy, Finance and Insurance; (7 ) Business, Sales and Tourism.
It can be very overwhelming trying to navigate which career path suits you best and that’s where the Citizens Information Leaving School Guide comes into its own. You will find information on all these career paths and how to get further information, as well as details on portals and websites which will help you choose the best option for you.
This is the ideal time to get hold of the Citizens Information Leaving School Guide from your local Citizens Information Centre. In the guide you will find information on applying for college, the CAO, PLC Courses and other routes to education, college fees and grants, disability supports in college and other financial supports in college and much more.
If you are going to college, you may need to find somewhere to live. The Citizens Information Leaving School Guide will give you the important information you need to make good, informed choices on how to look for suitable accommodation, watching out for scams, and what you need to know about living away from home and your rights as a tenant or a licensee.
If you don’t want to go to college this year, the Citizens Information Leaving School Guide gives information on how to go about taking a gap year and what you need to consider before you make that decision. The guide also gives you information about finding and starting your first job, what your employment rights are as a young person, registering with Revenue myAccount, PRSI, PAYE and much more.
The Citizens Information Leaving School Guide is an invaluable source of information, all in the one place and gives clear and simple, accurate and up-to-date information and will signpost you to the most appropriate and trusted sources of information.
Call into your local Citizens Information Centre in Galway, Tuam, Clifden or Rosmuc to collect your free copy of Citizens Information Leaving School Guide.
Galway CIC. Augustine House, Saint Augustine Street, Galway, H91Y7XH. Telephone – 0818 077600 for opening hours.
Clifden CIC. Station House Courtyard, Clifden, H71 EF68. Telephone – 0818 077600 for opening hours.
Rosmuc CIC. Rosmuc Innovation Centre, Rosmuc, Ionad Fiontair, Rosmuc, Keeloges Old, County Galway, H91 F3FX. Telephone – 0818 077600 for opening hours.
Tuam CIC. Centre for Education and Development Building (CED ), Bru Bhride, Church View, Tuam, H54 EY24. Telephone – 0818 077600 for opening hours.
South Connacht Citizens Information Service is a trusted provider of free, impartial, confidential information, advice and advocacy on a wide range of public services in Ireland. We help individuals understand and access their rights and entitlements.
The Citizens Information Service are supported and funded by the Citizens Information Board. Visit www.citizensinformation.ie drop into your local Citizens Information Service or telephone the Citizens Information Phone Service at 0818 07 4000.
