Further education and training

Jacob Haskins didn’t have enough points to secure his first CAO choice so he took an alternative route to UCD

From PLCs to apprenticeships and private colleges, there have never been so many choices for school-leavers seeking a career path

CAO offers: Estimated 80 per cent of college applicants will likely secure one of their top-three course preferences

Here are alternatives to explore when college offers disappoint - because the CAO is no longer the only game in town

Q&A: How does a traineeship work and am I eligible to apply?

Attitudes to further education have changed in recent years, and today’s students have more options than ever before

Q&A: What areas are apprenticeships available in and would it be a right fit for me?

Focus shifting from CAO points race and the pressure it puts on students to alternative routes to third-level education

New opportunities in a range of industries, supports for students with disadvantaged backgrounds and back to education allowances

Continuous education and training essential for lifelong success in rapidly evolving society

AI is just one of many factors that will shape our workplaces in the coming years

Hiring for green jobs in Ireland has already doubled since 2016, while some 97m jobs involving AI are expected to be created worldwide by 2025

Online learning accommodates different learning styles and offers flexibility to students who can learn at their own pace.

There are a multitude of course and online education resources available for people of all ages

Open days let you gauge how good a fit your course and college choice will be

Here is what to consider before deciding whether to go along when colleges throw open their doors to prospective students

Consider many factors, including course content, college location and student life

Third-level education is not the only route and having an open mind is key

Preparation can help you get the most out of your session with a guidance counsellor

There are more options available than ever before

Thousands of third-level applicants receive college offers

The journalist on attending Ballyfermot College of Further Education and a typical day in the RTÉ newsroom

Bobby Cudden, who studied in DCU after his PLC course, says his view on the pre-college course changed: ‘It went from snobbery to realising it was a saving grace’

Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries

Sean Keane completed a Level 5 course in animal care after narrowly missing out on his college choice. He is now a third-year student at UCD

New apprenticeships in a range of industries, supports for students with disadvantaged backgrounds and back to education allowances

PLC courses are practical and often offer job-specific training

There are more than 75 programmes available across the country, which are all free of charge

Class of 22 was first cohort in three years to sit full set of examinations following pandemic measures

What should you do if you didn’t get the results you expected

Education for life is about so much more than progressing exclusively through third-level education

Tailor your questions to suit your interests and needs

Further education and training options are available for anyone who is over 16 who wants to learn new skills or enhance existing skills

Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship: three year programme leads to Level 8 honours degree