The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme is a full-time programme for young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and adults returning to education. PLC courses are mostly provided in vocational schools with some provision in voluntary secondary and community and comprehensive schools. PLC programmes generally lead to Major awards made by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) at NFQ-Level 5 or NFQ-Level 6.

Finished your secondary education and would like to develop your skills to get a job or to go into further or higher education? A PLC course may be for you.

What is a PLC?

PLCs are full-time 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 lead to major awards at NFQ Levels 5 and 6.

The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme is a full-time programme for young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and adults returning to education. PLC courses are mostly provided in vocational schools with some provision in voluntary, secondary and community and comprehensive schools. PLC courses are generally at Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 or Level 6.

How to Apply

Students may join the programme by contacting the nearest Education Training Boards (ETBs) or school offering PLC courses. You may also find a course on Qualifax.

A maintenance grant scheme for which PLC students are able to apply is available. The maintenance scheme is means tested and grants are paid along the same lines as the current third level student support schemes. Grant applications are available from local ETBs.

Under the Higher Education Links scheme, places on selected courses in the Institutes of Technology are allocated on the basis of attainment achieved in awards by candidates on PLC courses. Details are available from the school principal or guidance counsellor or from QQI website or tel: (01) 9058100.

Email: plc@education.gov.ie