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Engineering Technology

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M2061 5N0556

This course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to enter employment at apprenticeship level or progress onto professional engineering programmes at various universities and Institutes of Technology.

Award Name Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ)
NFQ Classification Major
Awarding Body QQI
NFQ Level Level 5 NFQ
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) Major QQI Level 5 NFQ
Course Provider:
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Dundalk
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 year full-time.

Entry Requirements

Standard minimum entry requirements on all courses
• Applicants must be 17+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English required.
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
• A QQI Level 5 award is a prerequisite to access a Level 6 programme.

Careers / Further progression

Progression To Degrees
Graduates can progress to a variety of degree programmes including:
DkIT | Engineering – Common Entry | Level 8
DkIT | Civil Engineering/Mechanical Engineering/Electrical & Electronic Systems | Level 7
DkIT | Construction Management | Level 8
DkIT | Construction Management | Level 8
DkIT | Architectural Technology | Level 7
TU Dublin | Engineering – General Entry| Level 8
TU Dublin | Civil Engineering | Level 7

Career Opportunities
Graduates can progress to employment in various roles including:
Engineering Machine Operative | Engineering Technician – Civil | Engineering Technician – Electrical | Engineering Technician – Mechanical | Engineering Craft Machinist | Building Services Engineering Technician | Agricultural Technician |Advanced Manufacturing Technician.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

PLC Courses begin in September 2026.

Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
A mature applicant route is available for those who don’t meet the minimum educational requirements. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on January 1st of the year the course starts. We look forward to meeting at monthly Mature Student Coffee Meetings.

New Low Course Fees for 2026
All courses now have a low course registration fee of €30. Make sure to confirm your place on a course by paying your registration fee.

PLC MAINTENANCE GRANT (SUSI)
SUSI grants are available to eligible students attending full-time approved courses at OFI. Please visit www.susi.ie for eligibility criteria.

BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (BTEA)
BTEA allows qualifying persons getting certain social welfare payments to get a back to education payment while participating in approved full-time courses in further education.

SOLAS FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
FSD provides funding to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. To access supports, students are required to declare their disability and provide documentation confirming their additional need. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students

Laptop Loan Scheme
All students can apply for the laptop loan scheme. This provides students with the use of a high specification device for the duration of the academic year for a very low refundable deposit. This scheme ensures students have access to a digital device and the opportunity for success.

Sports Scholarships
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2026. Application forms will be available on our of.ie website. For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
Email: mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie

Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis

Apply online using the 'Application Weblink' above.

Online application process opens on 1st January. Ensure you apply as soon as possible.

Interview - Shortlisting process
Interviews are held in March/May/August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.

College Place - Secure your place
You will be notified of your offer by email and post. Confirm your place by paying your registration fee of €30.

Course Description
Engineers are the innovators and problem solvers of the modern era. From simple structures to the complex, a door handle to a supercar an engineer has been involved from concept design to production. This course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to enter employment at apprenticeship level or progress onto professional engineering programmes at various universities and Institutes of Technology.

Certification: 5M2061 QQI Level 5 Engineering Technology

▪ Computer Aided Design
▪ Maths For STEM
▪ Mechanics
▪ Engineering Drawing
▪ Engineering Workshop Processes
▪ Engineering Workshop Theory
▪ Communications
▪ Work Experience
▪ Renewable Energy Systems

5M2061 - Engineering Technology

5N0556 - Maths For STEM

Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie

Course Provider:
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Dundalk
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider