The Leaving Certificate Class of 2020 have faced unprecedented challenges in recent months, with the initial postponement of the Leaving Certificate and the subsequent predictive grading system rather than the usual exams. Employees too have faced challenges, finding themselves unemployed or facing uncertain job security from the Covid-19 pandemic, causing everyone to reevaluate their options regarding their future career paths.
Galway Community College of Further Education (GCC ) offers full-time courses in a wide variety of vocational areas, designed as a step towards skilled employment or progression to higher education institutes and universities. All courses offer a mix of practical and portfolio work and work experience. There are no CAO points required for further education courses. On completion, you can convert your results from the course to apply for more than 1,200 CAO courses that will accept a QQI award for progression to institutes of technology and universities nationwide. GCC's Level 6 courses give direct access to some second-year courses in GMIT.
The option of studying a PLC/further education course is now attractive to school leavers and those hoping to upskill, because the costs involved are low in comparison to going to college. The registration fee for a full-time course is €175, with a Government levy of €200, with many people exempt from the latter if they are in receipt of a SUSI grant, or hold a medical card or BTEA allowance. Prospective students are advised to apply to SUSI, Ireland's national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants.
While studying in GCC you can expect a friendly inclusive environment, and the college has a strong reputation for excellent tutoring. It offers Erasmus placements with plenty of work experience opportunities abroad. Situated at Moneenageisha Junction, GCC has an ideal location close to the city centre, with free parking, a café, playing pitches, bus stop, and a fully equipped gym among the many modern facilities available.
A recent study by SOLAS highlighted that students who first complete further education courses are significantly more likely to graduate from third-level degree courses, and that up to 75 per cent of students with a foundation in a post-Leaving Cert (PLC ) course who move on to higher education complete their degree.
Apply online now at www.galwaycc.ie for September 2020, for a course in your preferred area: business, secretarial, retail pharmacy, graphic design, IT, film, music and theatre, social care, sport, equine, science, motor technology, and horticulture. For inquiries email [email protected] and follow @GCCFurtherEd on social media.
