Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses

If you have finished secondary school and want to develop vocational and technological skills to get a job or to go into further education and training, the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course may be the course you are looking for.

The Citizens Information Board has published a booklet called Information for school leavers that covers many of the practical questions about education and employment that you may have when you leave school.

Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are full-time programmes for people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and adults returning to education. The course lasts one to 2 years and leads to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications at NFQ Level 5 or NFQ level 6 – see NFQ below.

The courses develop technical and practical skills for an industry-recognised qualification. They also offer an alternative route to higher education and can give you the opportunity to try out a subject of interest to you.

PLC courses take place in schools, colleges and community education centres. Almost half of the time spent on these courses is devoted to knowledge and skill training related to employment, with a further quarter spent on relevant work-based experience.

Most PLC courses are delivered by Education and Training Boards (ETBs). A wide range of disciplines are covered including:

• Business
• Electronics engineering
• Computing
• Catering
• Sport and leisure
• Theatre and stage
• Performance art
• Art craft and design
• Equestrian studies
• Multi-media studies
• Journalism
• Tourism
• Marketing
• Childcare and community care
• Hairdressing and beauty care
• Applied science
• Horticulture

See 'How to apply' below for a link to Qualifax, the national learners' database, where you can search for PLC courses.

PLC qualifications

The qualification you receive at the end of your training will depend on the type of course you have chosen. Many of the 1-year PLC courses offer Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) accreditation at level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications, while other more advanced courses may offer QQI level 6, which can lead to further studies at third level. Other qualifications such as City and Guilds are also available. It is important to check out the qualification attached to a particular course before you decide to enrol.

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

The National Framework of Qualifications is a single system against which all learning can be mapped. It allows learners to use their learning award to move from one qualification or qualification level to another within a system. For example, you could start with a PLC or other recognised course and progress to higher education.

In general, you should have finished your secondary education and completed your Leaving Certificate to be eligible for a PLC course.

However, you may be able to apply for a PLC course if you have not completed your Leaving Certificate. If you have work experience relevant to the course on offer or think you can demonstrate a particular ability in that area, you should write to the college where the course will take place. Explain your circumstances in the letter and ask to meet the co-ordinator of the course.

Since September 2022, you do not have to pay a participant contribution fee for a PLC course.

Colleges offering PLC courses usually have an additional 'course charge' to cover such expenses as books, uniforms, student services, professional registration fees and exam fees. The amount varies from college to college. Everyone has to pay the 'course charge'.

You may be eligible for a student grant or a Back to Education Allowance, depending on your circumstances. Find out more about who qualifies for a student grant and how to apply.

Use the national learners' database qualifax.ie to find the course in which you are most interested. Apply directly to the school or college offering that course. Because the courses are work-related, you will probably be called for an interview before a final selection is made. These interviews are often quite informal and offer you the opportunity to discuss your particular interest in the course.