Information for School Leavers (pdf) - Citizens Information Board

Further education and training
As a school-leaver, there are a range of opportunities for
you to gain further education, skills and qualifications that
can help you get a job.
If you intend to continue to third-level education, you must
fill out a Central Applications Office (CAO) form to apply
for a place on the course you want to take at the university,
college or institution of your choice. Offers of places on
courses are decided largely by Leaving Certificate results
but some institutions offer outreach programmes that help
school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are available for
school-leavers who want to develop vocational and
technological skills. These courses take place in schools and
colleges nationwide and a grant is paid to participants.
There are other options for further education and
training. These include FÁS training courses, the
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and
the Youthreach Programme. The website qualifax.ie has a
database of the different courses available.
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