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AS the CAO change-of-mind deadline approaches on 1st July, SOLAS is reminding Leaving Certificate students in Kerry that they can see the apprenticeships, traineeships and post leaving cert courses on offer by going to CAO.ie/options where all of these pathways can be explored
SOLAS, the state agency that oversees further education and training, is encouraging Leaving Cert students in Kerry, who may be still deciding their next step, to consider FET (further education and training) courses, traineeships and apprenticeship programmes as great local opportunities for achieving their career ambitions, with many exciting programmes being delivered through Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB).
Kerry ETB is delivering a broad local offering of FET courses and apprenticeships, and driving change in the sector.
Many FET courses and apprenticeship programmes delivered by Kerry ETB remain open for application, past the CAO change-of-mind closing date. They offer flexible, vocational learning that can include practical skills training and work experience.
According to SOLAS, the many and varied choices on offer through Kerry ETB can help Leaving Cert students in Kerry reach an informed decision on what career they want, while studying close to home, or support them on a pathway into higher education with apprenticeships also enabling them to learn and earn.
For example, FET courses offered in Kerry include Animal Care Assistant; Computer Games Design and Development; Music Technology; Personal Training and Nutrition; Tattoo Artistry; Accounting Technician; Advanced Outdoor Activity Instructor; IT Support Technician; among other choices, at levels five and six on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Apprenticeship opportunities in Kerry are also available to explore and applications are open all year round in a wide range of industries. Through an apprenticeship, you can gain an NFQ award at levels 5 to 10, not to mention the confidence that comes with hands-on experience in employment with a leading organisation in your chosen profession.
Commenting on the FET and apprenticeship options available through Kerry ETB, Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said: “FET is for everyone. There’s a broad range of FET options delivered through Kerry ETB, designed to help people looking to take the next step after completing their Leaving Certificate. Our research shows that many of these options, including apprenticeships and traineeships, can prepare learners for in-demand occupations that are emerging and expanding or that recruiters are struggling to fill. A FET course can also be a pathway to higher education.”
Owen O’Donnell, Director of Further Education and Training at Kerry ETB, stated: “Kerry College provides a wide range of choices for Leaving Certificate students, enabling them to reach their full potential and establish their career direction. Kerry College offers many career pathways through their ‘Courses for Progression’, which prepare students with a solid foundation for progression to third-level education, ‘Courses for Employment’, which focus on the competencies and certification required for a direct route into employment and ‘Apprenticeships’, which offer students employment through the ‘earn while you learn model’, gaining skills and competencies while achieving world-class certification.”
Leaving Certificate students can explore the FET courses and apprenticeship programmes on offer through Kerry ETB via the CAO website at www.CAO.ie/options.
