Forward of the upcoming CAO deadline, ministers have stated there are actually extra selections than ever, for potential college students trying to proceed their training.
The deadline for CAO functions is approaching (1 February). Upfront of that the Minister for Additional and Greater Training, Analysis, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD and the Minister of State for Additional Training, Apprenticeship, Development and Inexperienced Abilities Marian Harkin, TD, encourage potential candidates to contemplate all of their choices, resembling apprenticeships.
Lawless defined, candidates now have “extra selections than ever earlier than” and whether or not they’re contemplating a college diploma, an apprenticeship, a Additional Training and Coaching (FET) course or a brand new tertiary diploma programmes, there are a variety of routes accessible. He inspired younger individuals to take the time to discover their choices and discover the route that most closely fits their pursuits and ambitions.
He stated, “Lately, roughly 1,000 extra everlasting locations have been created in excessive‑demand CAO programs within the well being and social care disciplines. In 2026, additional locations will likely be added, throughout present programmes resembling medication, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy and pharmacy whereas new programs will likely be launched, together with veterinary medication in SETU and ATU, in addition to pharmacy in SETU.”
Exterior of the CAO system, there are a number of alternatives for college students trying to avail of apprenticeships in conventional, expert fields, for instance within the electrical and plumbing area, in addition to areas resembling cybersecurity, software program improvement, engineering and new programmes resembling accounting technologist.
There are actually 78 apprenticeship programmes accessible, protecting ranges 5 to 10 on the Nationwide Framework of {Qualifications} and a spread of free and subsidised Additional Training and Coaching programs providing sensible, hands-on studying that builds real-world abilities. One-year PLC programs additionally present a chance to be taught and acquire expertise forward of future employment.
Tertiary diploma programmes, the place college students begin in an Training and Coaching Board programme (ETB) and progress to the next training establishment allow candidates to finish their bachelor’s diploma. Moreover, the Half-Time Price Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Programs, which was launched in 2024, covers the charges of eligible part-time college students attending specified undergraduate programs. The technique was designed to help underrepresented or deprived teams in accessing larger training alternatives.
Harkin stated, “I might encourage college students to pay attention to the broad vary of pathways and different routes accessible. Via an ever-growing additional training and abilities coaching system, there are a lot of methods to observe your ardour. From apprenticeships to Additional Training programs and Tertiary levels, the precise path for you is on the market.”
In November of final yr, the Irish Authorities introduced funding of €20.5m to be awarded to 4 technological universities and one institute of know-how, with the intention of tackling the ever-increasing demand for apprenticeships within the larger training sector.
The funds will allow the creation of an extra 99 apprenticeship craft coaching blocks and eight consortium led apprenticeship gear initiatives.
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