Opportunities for All

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has produced a 15 minute video on access to college and opportunities for all.

Opportunities for all: Part 1 (5:01)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MdYuucB2BU

Opportunities for all: Part 2 (5:00)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7vY0fv2m7Q

Opportunities for all: Part 3 (4:33) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo4Xvg4FWRo

What's the job really about?

Often when you go to research courses you want to find out what type of job you could get at the end of it. At www.icould.com you can find out about various jobs from the people who work in their chosen areas. The video clips on this website give a really good insight into the job itself and the qualities that are required to do the job successfully and to fully enjoy it.

If you are proactive and ask questions about a job/career you'll get a personal insight into what's involved in it. You may have already had the opportunity to do this while on work experience during transition year.

Studying Abroad

Have you thought about studying in England, Scotland or Wales? Every year thousands of Irish students apply to universities in the UK through the UCAS system. There are a huge number of courses to choose from and it is well worth reasearching. Check out www.ucas.com which is a very comprehensive website that will lead you through the process of applying to these universities.

Equity of Access to Higher Education

The need for equality of access into Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has become a prioirity in recent years.The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a supplementary admissions scheme for school leavers with disabilities which operates on a reduced points basis. DARE has been established by a number of higher education institutions as clear evidence shows that disability can have a negative impact on educational attainment at school and progression to higher education. Further information including the application process and closing dates can be found on www.accesscollege.ie/dare

Volunteering

If you're considering volunteering either at home or abroad check out this link

www.volunteeringireland.ie

Gap Year

Many Irish students are deciding to take a gap year after school. There has been an increase in the number of students travelling to Australia to work on a voluntary basis. For further information checkout the link below.

http://www.yearoutgroup.org/Year-Out-Group-Gap-Year-News/Irish-gap-year-in-Australia-is-increasingly-popular-19394719-News.htm

Apprenticeship - Qualifying as a Craftsperson

Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by FÁS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system, which is organised in Ireland by FÁS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, employers and unions. www.fas.ie

Coping with Leaving Cert Pressure

The leaving certificate can cause many students to feel stressed out and unable to cope with the challenges of the exam itself. There is also a fear of not being able to live up to their own and others expectations. This article considers the challenges that many pupils face ">http://www.tribune.ie/archive/article/2008/feb/03/coping-with-leaving-cert-pressure/">

Choosing a Career

Career decision-making is not magic, and it doesn’t happen quickly. No one else can make the decision for you, and this may scare you at first. Always remember to discuss your thoughts freely as this helps you to clarify your own thinking. You must be actively involved in the process - no use letting someone else do the research.
Get the question right
Do you want to continue in education and if so to what level?
Do you want to get a trade apprenticeship?
Do you want to work in the family business and if so do you want to do so right away?
Do you want to go directly into work with no further education?
Do you want to travel and work abroad?
For more information checkout www.qualifax.ie

Higher Education Access Route - Hear

HEAR provides a ‘level playing pitch’ for students from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds accessing higher education. It provides academic, personal and social support in the participating institutions – for more information on HEAR go to the dedicated website www.accesscollege.ie