Student Experiences of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme

DISCUSSION AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS 155instances students themselves did not realise the limitations of the LCAqualification in accessing third-level education and expresseddisappointment at this lack of clarity and its lack of recognition by thirdlevelinstitutions.LCA profile, awareness and recognition raise the important issue of theplace of the programme within the National Framework of Qualifications(NFQ). Currently, Leaving Certificate programmes (including LCA) spanlevels 4 and 5 of the Framework, but it is evident from the study findingsthat LCA leavers have quite different progression pathways to LCE/LCVPleavers. There is a case perhaps for greater transparency in thecomparability of LCA with the other Leaving Certificate programmes. Forexample, allowing comparisons between an LCA distinction grade with aspecified number of foundation or ordinary level LCE/LCVP gradeswould allow students, employers and the public to compare and contrastthe level and standards of the Leaving Certificate programmes, and thusimprove overall recognition of the programme, allowing for clearerprogression routes.9.3.10 HOW CAN LCA IMPACT POSITIVELY ON SCHOOLLEAVERS’ LABOUR MARKET OPTIONS?This study highlights variation in labour market outcomes among LCAschool leavers relative to early school leavers and other Leaving Certificateschool leavers. Our findings indicate that LCA leavers have higher levels ofparticipation in the labour market one year after leaving school, comparedwith other Leaving Certificate groups, but labour market entrants who havetaken LCA have a greater risk of unemployment than their LCE/LCVPcounterparts during the immediate post-school period. In the context ofthe current economic downturn, this study highlights the occupationalsectors which LCA leavers enter compared to other school leavers.Findings show a relatively large proportion of males enter the constructionsector and females tend to find work in the wholesale/retail and personalservices industries. The study findings suggest that a greater variety inmodule content areas coupled with improved awareness among employersof the LCA qualification could serve to open up other employmentopportunities for LCA leavers, especially in the currently changing labourmarket.9.3.11 HOW CAN ACCESS TO POST-SCHOOL EDUCATION BEIMPROVED FOR LCA SCHOOL LEAVERS?This research study indicates that LCA leavers are less likely to access anykind of post-school education relative to low performing LCE/LCVPschool leavers, and are only marginally more likely to do so than those wholeft school after the Junior Certificate. This raises important policyquestions regarding barriers to progression for LCA students and howthese obstacles can be overcome.Findings show a strong tendency for females to opt for PLC coursesand males for State training programmes, perhaps reflecting the genderednature of courses available in the PLC sector in addition to the influence ofLCA coursework and work placements taken by students. This again raisesthe issue of course content but also highlights the importance of improved