What next after Leaving Cert?
Options available to you when you receive the Leaving cert results.
If the Leaving Cert results are what you hoped for, you are probably going to be in a great mood for the coming weeks, as you start planning your new life. However, if this piece of paper isn’t all you want it to be, it’s not the end of the end - there are many options open to you. Just some of the options include:
Result appeals
If you are not happy with your exams results and feel they do not reflect your work or ability you can arrange to appeal. Talk to your school about how to do this or check out the information here.
Speak to a qualified career counsellor.
They know the ins and outs of the Leaving Cert so they should be a great help. You can also go to your local careers office or youth information centre and ask for advice.
Repeat the Leaving Cert
Okay, its delaying your plans but it is only one year and it shouldn’t be dismissed too quickly. You got through the Leaving Cert once, and if you had to sit it twenty more times you’d still be able to do it. You’re young and one year won’t make a huge difference, there are still plenty of years ahead.
YouthReach
If you’re between 15 and 18 and have left school early you can train with YouthReach. The training is full-time (you get an allowance) and covers work experience, skills and general education
Apprentice/internships
Depending on your career choice, you could undertake an apprentice or an internship. This means learning while working and there’s a huge variety of careers to learn. Your local FAS office can help with more information.
Defence forces/Garda training
The Gardai and defence forces recruit young people every year. Check out www.garda.ie and www.military.ie.
Further education courses
These courses are a good choice for getting a taste of the career your interested in. You can find more information at www.cao.ie or www.fetac.ie. If you’re interested in working in tourism, Failte Ireland has a range of courses including chefing, hospitality skills, bar skills and hotel management. Many of the courses are very flexible allowing you to choose between learning full-time or part-time.
Find out more about life after Leaving Cert.
There is a Leaving Cert results helpline available for anyone who needs support after the results:
Helpline Phone Number: 1800 265 165
By: Claire Finnegan
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