PLC courses take place in schools and colleges. The courses are full-time and last for one to two years. They offer a mixture of "hands-on" 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. They can also act as a stepping stone to third-level education. A wide range of disciplines is covered including business, electronics engineering, computing, catering, sport and leisure, theatre and stage, performance art, art craft and design, equestrian studies, multi-media studies, journalism, tourism, marketing, childcare and community care, hairdressing and beauty care, applied science, horticulture etc. The qualification you receive at the end of your training will depend on the type of course you have chosen. Many of the one-year PLC courses offer Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) accreditation at level 5, while other more advanced courses may offer FETAC level 6. Other qualifications such as City and Guilds are also available. It is important to check out the qualification attached to a particular course before you decide to enrol. School leavers should have finished their secondary education and taken the Leaving Certificate examination in order to be eligible for a PLC course. However, these requirements are waived for mature students and in fact most colleges welcome mature candidates as their life and work experiences add a richness to the student group You can search for a PLC course at the nearest centre to you at www.plcdublin.ie
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What is the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)?

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a scheme for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities who are getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection. The allowance can be paid to people who wish to do or take approved second or third level courses of education. BTEA is not an unemployment payment. Participants get a standard rate of payment which is not means tested. If you are signing for unemployment ‘credits’ only, you may qualify to take part in the scheme but you will not get a payment.
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I would like to Return to Learning but don’t know how or where to start.

A good place to start is your local Vocational Education Committee (VEC) as VECs are the main providers of adult education in Ireland.
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I’m not sure what course I’d like to take. Where can I access advice on this?

The VECs provide a free confidential Educational Guidance Service for Adults interested in returning to education. Information, advice and guidance on study and training options are provided.
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I am thinking of returning to education. What opportunities are available for adult learners?

There are several options open to adults who are thinking of returning to learning - courses funded by the VTOS and BTEI schemes, Adult Basic Education, Community Education, and also PLCs (Post Leaving Certificate) and other Further Education courses in Schools or Colleges of Further Education.
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What is VTOS?

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is a special initiative designed to cater for the education and training needs of those who are unemployed and/or receiving a Social Welfare payment for at least six months or more or in receipt of statutory redundancy. All our VTOS courses lead to certification and offer the Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate or FETAC accreditation or other accreditation recognized by the IT industry. Participants can also avail of a wide range of Post Leaving Certificate courses that are available throughout the county. More information on VTOS can be viewed at http://www.codubvec.ie/en/index.cfm/do/vtos
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What is BTEI?

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time courses for adults and young people who wish to combine return to learning with family, work and other commitments. Under the BTEI, County Dublin VEC offers a wide range of part-time, flexible and innovative education opportunities. Tuition is free for those with less than upper 2nd level education (Leaving Cert or equivalent). More information on BTEI can be viewed at http://www.codubvec.ie/en/index.cfm/do/btei
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What is Adult Basic Education?

In Adult Basic Education you can avail of one- to- one or group tuition in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. You can upgrade your reading / writing /spelling/ Maths / computer skills. Your local Adult Learning Centre will provide information on a range of classes from one-to-one tuition to Junior Cert English and Maths and Leaving Cert English.
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What is Community Education?

Community Education provides education outside of the formal education sector. It supports local voluntary groups who provide adult education programmes in their own communities. Courses cover a wide range of areas including Art & Craft, Childcare, Computers, Creative Writing, Digital Photography, Gardening, Health & Nutrition, History, Philosophy for Beginners, Yoga.
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Do third –level colleges reserve places for Mature Students?

Yes, but the number of places reserved for Mature Students is limited so it is likely that you will still have to compete with your peers if you want to participate in full-time day programmes.
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Are there part-time options available at third level?

Yes there are other options available including part-time courses, modular programmes and distance learning.
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How long will it take to get a qualification?

If you choose to study on a part-time or modular basis, you can spread your studies over a number of years. This has the obvious drawback that it will take longer to complete than a full-time course, but it also has the advantage that it allows you to work at your own pace, gradually building credits towards your qualification.
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What is Distance Learning?

The term “distance learning” covers a wide range of learning programmes that take place away from the physical presence of the classroom and the tutor. If you participate in a distance learning programme, it is likely that you will use a wide range of packaged materials and media throughout your course. These could include tapes, videos and the Internet. Some courses organise periodic classes where students come together for a day, a weekend or a week at a time, in order to study intensively.
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What are the entry requirements for third level courses?

If you are applying for a place as a mature student you will not be asked to meet the usual entry requirements. The colleges will take into account your educational background, work history, community involvement and other achievements and interests. This system is known as the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). In some colleges you may be asked to take an entrance exam.
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How do I apply to a third level course?

In order to apply for a third-level course as a mature student, you should first contact the college of your choice directly and send them an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV). Some colleges require you to apply through the Central Applications Office and you must apply before 1st February of the year you start your course. You will be in competition with other mature students for a place on the course so make sure to include as much detail as possible regarding your educational background, work experience and other interests. You can apply online at www.cao.ie
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If I am unable to take up the course this year can I defer?

Yes if you receive an offer of a course place you may defer entry to the next academic year, subject to the programme being available in the next academic year.
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FAQs