If you intend going on to third-level education on leaving school, you can find out how to apply in our document on third-level application procedures. Offers of places on courses are decided largely by Leaving Certificate results but some institutions offer outreach programmes. If you have a disability you may be eligible for the DARE access route and if you come from a disadvantaged background you may be eligible for HEAR.
Another option is a Post Leaving Certificate course (PLC) - aimed at school-leavers who want to develop vocational and technological skills.
FÁS training courses for first-time jobseekers cover a range of areas. FÁS apprenticeships are another option. Even though FÁS is being disbanded and a new further education and training authority called SOLAS (Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna) is being set up, participants on current FÁS and further education courses will not be affected by the establishment of SOLAS and will continue their courses under the new authority.
If you are interested in a career in catering or tourism, Fáilte Ireland offers courses at national certificate and national diploma level, ranging from hospitality skills to business studies. All courses receive national accreditation from the Higher Education and Training Council.
State agencies such as Coillte, Teagasc and Bord Iascaigh Mhara all run training courses in their respective areas, as does the Crafts Council of Ireland. Youthreach also runs paid training courses for school-leavers.
If you are taking up a job, you should familiarise yourself with your employment rights. Find out about minimum rates of pay , contracts of employment , holidays and leave, particularly if you are starting work for the first time. You may also plan to work abroad.
The Citizens Information Board has published Information for school leavers, which is available in Citizens Information Centres.