LCA Newsletter 1 Nov 1999.pdf - PDST

Up to date information on employment, training and progression opportunities for holders of the Leaving Certificate Applied
Leaving Certificate Applied
Opportunities
Albert Ó’Ceallaigh, NCCA Chief Executive, welcomes growing
recognition for the Leaving Certificate Applied.
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a two-year Senior Cycle
programme introduced in 1995. It is now being offered in 230
schools and centres. It aims to provide the option of a
programme emphasising vocational preparation and the
development of personal and practical skills.There is general
agreement among students who have taken Leaving Certificate
Applied and their parents and teachers that the range of courses
offered, combined with the programme’s innovative assessment
system, has made it an extremely positive experience for most
participants.Through its success in building students’ selfconfidence
and in developing skills such as communication,
teamwork and enterprise, as well as practical skills, the
programme is an excellent preparation for adult life, for further
education, training and for the world of work.
Important though the intrinsic value of any educational
programme is, the recognition and value accorded it by external
bodies are also vital.This is particularly true where employers are
recruiting staff. From the start, holders of Leaving Certificate
November 1999
update
Leaving Certificate Applied Opportunities
At the Leaving Certificate Applied graduation ceremony, NCCA Chief Executive,Albert Ó’Ceallaigh,Alan Roe, Balinteer Community
School, Sarah Stower, Oldbawn Community School,Tallaght and Catherine Quaile, Carnew Community School, Co.Wicklow.
Inside: Destination Survey, page 2,
Further Education Opportunities, page 3,
Employment Opportunities and
Apprenticeships, page 4
Applied have had the possibility of progression through the
education system via Post-Leaving Certificate courses to
certificate and, possibly, to diploma/ degree courses at third level.
As regards qualification for employment, the Department of
Education and Science has stated that 60 credits in Leaving
Certificate Applied is equivalent to six D’s at ordinary level in the
Established Leaving Certificate. A Destination Study carried out
by the NCCA found that 91% of the graduates of the
programme in 1998 proceeded to work or further education -
details are reported on page 2. However positive all these
developments, there is a need, as with any new programme, to
increase awareness and appreciation among the public and to
establish avenues of opportunity and progression.
Over the past year, the NCCA has been liaising with employers
and educational and training bodies to build up awareness,
recognition and acceptance of Leaving Certificate Applied. Our
aim was to establish the incorporation of the programme into
selection and entry criteria for a broad range of employment
and training positions.We are delighted to publish this newsletter
to bring you up to date on developments.
The Leaving Certificate Applied is funded by the Department of Education and
Science with assistance from the European Social Fund.

Destination Survey
In January 1999, NCCA carried out a
Destination Survey of graduates of the
Leaving Certificate Applied 1996 – 1998.
The Destination survey gathered
information on the destinations of those
graduates of the Leaving Certificate Applied
who commenced the programme in
September 1996 and completed it in June
1998.The survey was undertaken in
January/ February 1999, at least six months
after the graduates left school.
Sixty-three schools (55.75%) participated in
the survey. Information is provided on the
941 graduates who completed the
programme in those schools. the
destinations of graduates are summarised in
the table below.
The results confirm that 91% of Leaving
Certificate Applied graduates proceeded to
work or further education on completion of
the programme.
Thirty –five graduates were still seeking
work at the time of the survey while, of the
others comprising the final section of the
table either information was unavailable
(38), the graduates were unavailable for
work (9) or had emigrated (4).
Employment
Of the 348 graduates who entered
employment, 136 were employed in the
area of services and sales, 54 in
manufacturing and mining industries, 38 in
building and construction, 28 in agriculture,
forestry and fisheries while 19 entered
employment in commerce, finance and the
public services.
Apprenticeships
A large number of graduates (176) became
apprentices.The most common
apprenticeships were in the areas of
construction (56), motor (26), engineering
(21) and carpentry/ furniture (18).
Post Leaving Certificate Courses
The majority of those entering Post Leaving
Certificate Courses, 113 out of a total 210,
took business and secretarial courses.The
others took courses ranging from hotel,
catering and tourism to sport and
recreation to childcare.Twenty graduates
took courses in computer studies.
Teagasc
Twenty-nine graduates proceeded to
Teagasc with 23 of these undertaking a
certificate course in farming.
On the basis of the detailed information
contained in the survey, it is possible to
establish a "top ten" of destinations for
graduates of the Leaving Certificate Applied
in 1998.
The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI)
supports the development of the Leaving
Certificate Applied. In a recent large-scale
survey of 783 businesses nationwide carried
out by CCI (Labour Force ‘99), 94% of
employers agreed that work placements
should be more actively promoted as part of
state sponsored education/training at second
level. Carmel Mulroy,
Chambers of Commerce of Ireland.
‘IBEC fully supports the Leaving Certificate
Applied, which meets the needs of those
students who choose not to opt for or are
not adequately catered for by the traditional
Leaving Certificate. It successfully prepares
young people for adult and working life.’
Padraic O’Grady, IBEC Assistant Director,
Social Policy, Business/Education Links.
‘The Leaving Certificate Applied is a most
welcome development in the Irish education
system.This is a student-centred programme
which takes account of a broad range of
candidates’ aptitudes and abilities. The built-in
continuous assessment provides for the
accumulation of credits as students progress
through the course.The I.V.E.A. highly
recommends this programme to students,
employers and education authorities.’
Irish Vocational Education Association.
‘The Leaving Certificate Applied affords
students the opportunity to progress through
the Senior Cycle on a curriculum that
empowers them to grow and develop new
skills to be used on entering the world of
work. It also prepares them to continue
their education and training with confidence.
They are afforded the opportunity to
experience meaningful work placement and
finish their education knowing that they have
a nationally recognised form of certification.
Skills of communication, literacy and
numeracy are taught in conjunction with
other curricular areas and developed as the
students grow, mature and learn to use their
initiative during this period in formal
education. More students should be
encouraged to embrace this course so as to
increase the number availing of full-time
education to leaving certificate standard.’
Rose Tully, President, National Parents’
Council (Post-Primary)

Further Education Opportunities
Hundreds of Post Leaving Certificate courses
are open to Leaving Certificate Applied
graduates. After obtaining a NCVA Level 2
award on a Post-Leaving Certificate course,
it is possible for students to progress to third
level certificate courses in the Institutes of
Technology through the Higher Education
Links Scheme.
"The Leaving Certificate Applied is an exciting
new way of preparing for the career
opportunities of the new millennium.
Because it is based on active learning it helps
develop a broad range of transferable skills.
These skills can be further developed in a
post-leaving certificate course (PLC) which
can lead directly to employment or to higher
education.The National Council for
Vocational Awards (NCVA) provides national
certificates at Level 2 for the majority of Post
Leaving Certificate courses.The Links
Scheme, agreed between the NCVA and the
NCEA, provides a progression route to third
level education from PLC courses".
Cynthia Deane Fogarty, Director NCVA.
"We welcome Leaving Certificate Applied
students coming on to Post-Leaving
Certificate courses.They have trained skills in
areas such as research, using time effectively,
meeting deadlines and working in groups."
Josephine O Donnell, Principal,
Marino College, Dublin.
"Senior College Ballyfermot welcomes
applications from Leaving Certificate Applied
students to almost all their courses, with the
exception of certain courses (such as BTEC
Higher national Diploma) where traditional
Leaving Certificate is required from the
certifying bodies. However in those cases, NCVA
Level 2 or BTEC national Diploma (One year
course in related areas), act as a foundation
year, and can lead directly into the Higher
Diplomas, depending on results."
Anne Brett, Principal, Senior College
Ballyfermot.
Teagasc will welcome applicants with
the Leaving Certificate Applied for their
farm apprentice
programmes.
Applicants generally
apply to Agricultural
Colleges for
admission.
CERT courses are
open to students who
have completed their
Leaving Certificate
Applied.These include
two year courses in
professional Cookery,
Hospitality Skills and
Tourism Skills as well as
one year courses in
Reception/ Front Office
and Bar Skills.
The Marketing Institute will offer access
to the foundation Certificate to students
who have completed the Leaving Certificate
Applied and who obtained distinction. An
interview is also part of the access
procedure.
Institute of Accounting Technicians
in Ireland Holders of Leaving Certificate
Applied with distinction
may pursue the Institute
of Accounting
Technicians in Ireland
(IATI) qualification with
the possibility of
pursuing the ICAI
qualification if they achieve a distinction in
the IATI admission examination.
In its recent review of the Links scheme,
DIT has announced that, from now on:
‘Applicants presenting
NCVA awards will
not be required to meet
minimum entry
requirements based on
Leaving Certificate
results.The NCVA award
is accepted in its own
right.’ This change means
that those holding Leaving Certificate
Applied are now on an equal footing for
gaining access, via this scheme, to all 28 DIT
certificate courses (with the exception of
DT214 Medical Laboratory Science, which is
not included in the Links scheme.)
Interested students should note that for access to the
links scheme, the NCVA award must be in an area
related to the third-level course applied for. It is
important to take this into account when applying for
Post Leaving Certificate courses. A list of possible links
between courses is available from NCVA. The National
Council for Vocational Awards, Marino Institute of
Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9 Tel: 01 8372211
“
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a great initiative to help students who
have more practical talents and orientation.The Institute of Guidance
Counsellors encourages schools to consider the introduction of the
programme. It also encourages employers to look favourably on applications
from young people who have completed Leaving Certificate Applied.
Kathleen Brennan, Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
”
“
Given today’s labour market situation…the Leaving
Certificate Applied answers the concerns of employers seeking
practically educated recruits who can manage the change from
education to work.
”
Institute of Personnel & Development in Ireland.
Recognition in
Northern Ireland
North West Institute
Students who obtain a Merit or Distinction
in the Leaving Certificate Applied and who
complete a successful interview will gain
entry to the Institute’s advanced GNVQ
courses. It would be preferable if these
students had studied a subject within the
discipline they are applying for. Students with
a pass Leaving Certificate Applied will be
eligible for the Intermediate GNVQ.
Belfast Institute of Further and
Higher Education
Belfast Institute states that "Students who
achieve the Leaving Certificate Applied at
either Merit or Distinction level are eligible
to apply for BTEC National Diploma and
GNVQ courses".
Limavady College of Further
Education
Students with Leaving Certificate Applied
who complete a satisfactory interview can
gain entry to a number of appropriate
courses. In welcoming applicants with Leaving
Certificate Applied, the college will
endeavour to ensure satisfactory progression
routes for the continuation of their studies to
all successful applicants.

Employment Opportunities
The Leaving Certificate Applied is
recognised by a wide range of employers.
The following is a sample of policy
statements from some of the larger
companies.
Local Authorities - The Department of
the Environment has advised all City and
County Managers and Directors of Regional
Authorities that ‘Pass in the Leaving
Certificate Applied meets the requirement
of a Pass in five subjects in Established
Leaving Certificate’.This in effect means that
holders of Leaving Certificate Applied will
now be eligible to apply for Clerical Officer
positions with Local Authorities nationwide.
Health Boards - Following on the above,
all Health Boards, Hospitals and Mental
Handicap Agencies were notified by the
Department of
Health and
Children in June
1999 that Pass
Leaving
Certificate
Applied qualifies
applicants for
posts for which Pass in Established Leaving
Certificate has been required.
Civil Service - The Civil Service requires
‘good general education’ in Clerical Officer
applicants.The Civil Service Commission
considers Leaving Certificate Applied meets
this requirement.
Intel - “Intel very
much welcomes
applications from
graduates of
Leaving Certificate
Applied for
operative and
junior technician positions. Progression
through the company is assisted through inhouse
training and education programmes.
Many Intel technicians have progressed
rapidly from junior ranks.” Evelyn Pender,
Human Resources Division, Intel.
Banks - Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank
accept applications from those with
Distinction in Leaving Certificate Applied.
National Irish Bank accepts Merit or
Distinction. Discussions are underway with
AIB.
Hewlett Packard - will be pleased to
accept applications for ‘process operators’
positions from students with a pass or
better in Leaving Certificate Applied.
Aer Lingus - confirm that vacancies for
Cabin Crew, Customer Services Agents and
Trainee Pilots are open to
Leaving Certificate Applied
students. Applications for
these grades will be
accepted only following
national press campaigns.
General clerical staff are
recruited through ‘Select’
Recruitment Agency, and holders of Leaving
Certificate Applied with Merit are eligible to
apply.
U.S. visas - The
United States
Embassy accepts
Leaving Certificate
Applied as
equivalent to
Established Leaving
Certificate standard, which is a requirement
for entry to the Green Card lottery.
Garda Siochana -
The Garda Siochana
accept applications
from those holding
Leaving Certificate
Applied Merit or
Distinction.
“
TUI fully supports the Leaving Certificate Applied and its continued
development.The programme represents a revolutionary new
development in Irish education.TUI believes that the traditional Leaving
Certificate has much to learn from Leaving Certificate Applied.
”
Billy Fitzpatrick, Education Officer,Teachers’ Union of Ireland.
Apprenticeships
The Leaving Certificate Applied is an excellent choice for those
interested in training for a trade, as evidenced by the fact that 19% of
last year’s graduates are now in apprenticeships.
FÁS – Brendan McCrea¸ FÁS Manager, Standards-based
Apprenticeship, states "A number of features of the Leaving Certificate
Applied programme are similar to those of the Standards-based
Apprenticeship organised by FÁS, such as the integration of learning,
experience and practical tasks, the modular
structure of the courses and the system of
concurrent assessment.This is why FÁS considers
the Leaving Certificate Applied to be an
eminently suitable preparation for students who
wish to enter apprenticeship" . In fact, FÁS’s
minimum entry requirement for standardsbased
apprenticeship is 25 credits in Leaving
Certificate Applied for those who have not
previously attained 5 D’s in Junior Certificate.
“
As an employer, I am very excited by the Leaving Certificate
Applied.This approach identifies the strengths and talents of each
individual student and builds achievements around them. In a better way
than ever before, it prepares young people for adult and working life.
Senator Fergal Quinn, Managing Director, Superquinn, Dublin.
”
ESB – Paul Hickey, Staff Relations
Manager, writes "I am pleased to
confirm that ESB recognises the
Leaving Certificate Applied as an
acceptable qualification for applying
for ESB apprenticeships".
Greencore in Mallow welcomes applications for its apprenticeships
from Leaving Certificate Applied students from local schools.
Bus Éireann accepts applications for apprenticeships from holders
of Leaving Certificate Applied. Mark Lawne, a graduate from St.
Columba’s College Stranorlar, began work as an apprentice Mechanic
with Bus Éireann in Letterkenny in October 1999.
A more detailed study of the apprenticeship element of the
destination study shows that Leaving Certificate Applied students
entered the labour force as apprentices in many trades – Construction
(carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers, cabinet-makers, etc), Engineering
(fitting, turning, metal fabrication, etc), Electrical Trades and lesser
percentages into Plumbing, Gas trades, Painting and Aeronautics.
Further information on Leaving Certificate Applied can be obtained from: NCCA, 24 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 and from the
Leaving Certificate Applied Support Service, Curriculum Development Unit, Sundrive Road, Dublin 12, or the Curriculum Development Centre, Shannon Co., Clare