Cavan Institute – college focused, work ready
With the Leaving Certificate results coming out this Friday, many students are still considering their options. While many will go directly into university and third-level institutions, the option of doing a Post Leaving Cert (PLC) is growing in popularity for a substantial number of Leaving Cert students and those wishing to return to education.
With the reduction of fees (now only €200 for the full academic year), Cavan Institute has seen a growth of 16% in applications for this coming September.
The reduction in fees is in response to the rising cost of living and an effort by Cavan and Monaghan Training Board (CMETB) to make courses at Cavan Institute more accessible.
All course materials, exam fees and uniforms will be purchased by CMETB and each student will pay a maximum of €200.
Opportunities
PLC courses are full-time programmes open to young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and to adults who wish to return to education. The majority of these one year or two-year programmes lead to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Level 5 or Level 6.
The courses develop technical and practical skills for an industry-recognised qualification, which can lead directly to employment. They also offer an alternative route into higher education and can give students the opportunity to try out a subject of interest at a college near home before investing in a degree programme.
There is a broad range of course areas to choose from at Cavan Institute including pre-university courses such as Teaching, Law and Accounting; QQI accredited courses in Nursing, Pharmacy, Computing, Psychology, Engineering, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Childcare, Healthcare, Science, Sport, Music and Tourism.
CAO Round Zero offers
Many Cavan Institute graduates take up higher education places in what is known as 'Round 0' CAO offers, which came out last month. Students who attended Cavan Institute continue to have great success, having been offered places on many Level 8 degrees including PE Teaching, Science, Nursing, Business, Engineering, Art and Sport and Recreation. These offers were made on the basis of their results at Cavan Institute. Also, a number of Cavan Institute graduates are taking up places in the UK in areas such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and PE Teaching.
Benefits of Further Education and Training
PLC courses can provide a foundation or "taster year" for students in specific sectors before they commit to completing an undergraduate degree course.
Many universities have programmes in place to recognise PLC qualifications as a route to entry. If a student completes a PLC programme with good results and meets specific criteria, they have a good chance of securing a place on a third-level course.
As one of the largest Further Education and Training Colleges Ireland, Cavan Institute offers over 70 PLC courses as well as apprenticeship and traineeship courses. These courses are all offered under the umbrella of CMETB, which provides a wide variety of FET courses throughout counties Cavan and Monaghan.
This year, student induction will take place on the week commencing September 11, with classes commencing on September 18.
Grants/Finance
SUSI grants are also available to Cavan Institute students who qualify for this grant. There are also a number of other financial assistance programmes available such as VTOS and BTEA. Further details of financial assistance can be found at www.studentfinance.ie
Information evening
Cavan Institute will host an Information Evening for parents and students on Tuesday, August 29, at 7pm, at its Cathedral Road Campus. All welcome.
There will also be an Open Day on Friday, September 1, from 10am to 4pm.