Post Leaving Certificate (PLC)
Q1: What is a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course?
A. PLCs are full-time courses and last for one to two years. They offer a mixture of practical work, academic work and work experience. They are designed as a step towards skilled employment and, as such, they are closely linked to industry and its needs. Post Leaving Certificate courses adopt an integrated approach, focusing on technical knowledge, core skills and work experience. Courses are delivered in a wide range of subjects, such as business studies, childcare, community care, computing and technology, e-commerce, horticulture, multimedia production, sport and leisure and tourism. The courses generally led to major awards at NFQ Levels 5 and 6.
Q2: What Grants & Allowances are available?
A:
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
You can apply for the Back to Education Allowance if you are hoping to attend a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course or Institute of Education, full-time. For further information on moving from Social Welfare to training or education please check www.welfare.ie for benefits and supports.
SUSI - Student Universal Support Ireland
If you are hoping to attend a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course you may be able to get a student grant to help with living expenses while you are in education. Please check www.susi.ie for more information.
Student Finance
This website is a convenient and user-friendly source of information on financial support for further and higher education. Please check www.studentfinance.ie for more information.
Q3: Can I use my QQI Level 5 or 6 major award to progress into Higher Education?
A: The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) gives learners the opportunity to use their QQI Level 5 or 6 major award to apply, through the CAO, for a place in the first year of a higher education programme.
Programmes leading to Level 5 and Level 6 Major Awards are available through providers who have programmes validated with QQI.
Linked awards, special requirements and available higher education programmes are published by the admissions office of the individual higher education institution and on www.cao.ie.
Q4: Where can I find PLC course information?
A. Find out more at fetchcourses.ie. You can also find information on Qualifax.