Published: Wednesday, 24th February, 2010 11:00am

Cavan Institute points way forward

Anne Marie Lacey, Cavan Institute director.

In a challenging economic climate and with increasing competition for colleges places, it is more important than ever to have the right qualifications at the right level, according to the director of Cavan Institute Ann Marie Lacey. Ms Lacey was speaking as Cavan Institute, the largest Institute of Further Education (FE) in the region, announcing details of its Information Day tomorrow (Thursday), February 25.

"With over 74,000 students of all ages applying via the CAO to attend third level colleges in 2010 and the financial cost of education an increasing factor students should explore all options available," said Ms Lacey.

In response to the growing demand for places at the Institute, details on all the courses will be presented during an Information Evening today, Wednesday, February 24 (5pm to 8pm) and on Thursday, February 25 (10am to 5pm). Cavan Institute is also launching a range of new and innovative courses in the area of renewable energy and science.

The Cavan Institute director acknowledges that it can be very confusing and worrying for applicants. "Many parents are justifiably worried about the career prospects of their sons and daughters who are sitting the Leaving Certificate.

For Leaving Certificate students, those who have been made redundant or who are facing into reduced working hours; there is a comprehensive programme of over 70 recognised qualifications on offer at the Institute. All courses are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that they are relevant to the demands of the labour market. This review has led to the development of a range of new courses," she said.

A Further Education course at the Institute provides students with an internationally recognised qualification, a route to degree courses, as well as practical skills. "As a result of the close contact built up through work placements an increasing number of CI graduates are obtaining employment from their work placements," says Ms Lacey.

"The Higher Education Links scheme allows students to use their points from their Cavan Institute course. Courses at Cavan Institute are linked with relevant degree programmes at NUI Maynooth, Athlone, Dundalk and Sligo Institutes of Technology."

It is not just Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied students who study at Cavan Institute.

The Institute also accepts applications from those wishing to return to education but who may not hold a Leaving Cert. "Increasing the Institute is attracting applications from those who have lost their job and are now thinking of up-skilling," according to Ms Lacey.

The growing number of applicants has led the Director to encourage students to apply early. Enrolments at the Institute have trebled since 2001 with 1600 students from throughout Ireland enrolled in 2010. "It is essential that students complete their application in full and submit it on time in order to ensure they may be considered for their first preference choice."

Applicants are eligible for maintenance grants and should contact their local VEC for further information on their entitlements.

A limited number of Sports Scholarships are also available. Private bus companies provide a daily service to and from Cavan town in addition to public transport routes thus reducing the need to incur additional costs by moving away from home.

To to gain a steady foothold in the career of your choice or if you want to use your recognised qualification as an entry to further third level study, an FE course at Cavan Institute is worth considering.

Further information may be obtained from Cavan Institute at 049-4332633 or www.cavaninstitute.ie