Cavan Institute advises Leaving Certs to consider all options

As the reality of the Leaving Cert results sink in and students contemplate life after school the Director of one the largest FE institutes in the country has reminded students and parents that there are many paths to their chosen career and they should take time to reflect on what they really want to study.Ann Marie Lacey, Director, Cavan Institute advises Leaving Certificate students not to panic. 'There is a route for every student regardless of their Leaving Certificate results and the CAO points race.'Some students will exceed their expectations and others will be disappointed with their results. Some students will find their options restricted because of their subject choice. The ever changing points system will have implications for all Leaving Certificate students. Many students and their parents will be faced with an offer of a course they may not be sure about. At this stage it is important to take the time to consider all options,' she told the Westmeath Examiner.Variety of coursesMs Lacey was speaking as Cavan Institute announced that registration for all courses will take place on Wednesday 20th August. As one of the largest institutes of Further Education in the country Cavan Institute offers a wide range of one and two year Certificate and Diploma courses in a diverse range of areas including Furniture and Interior Design, Computer Aided Design, Insurance and Business Studies, Veterinary Assistant Studies, Sports Therapy and Complementary Therapy Studies, Sound Engineering and Music, and Theatre Studies. The Institute also offers courses in an array of disciplines including Accountancy, Office Administration, Computer Programming and Software Development, Leisure and Sports Coaching, Tourism and Airline Studies, Security Studies, Beauty Therapy, Social Care, Nursing and Community Care, Childcare and Hairdressing.Register to secure your placeWhile the majority of courses are nearly full Ms Lacey stressed that anyone considering applying should do so as soon as possible to ensure they can complete the registration process. 'There are places still available on some courses. Applications will be accepted after registration day for any vacant places that may arise but we expect that most courses will be closed to new applications after registration day.'Teaching or Garda jobsMs Lacey stressed that a course at Cavan Institute provides students with an internationally recognized qualification as well as practical skills. The other option offered by a course at Cavan Institute is the chance to explore an area you would not have considered according to Ms Lacey. 'We find an increasing number of students deferring a university place to spend a year at Cavan Institute. Prospective primary school teachers find that the Classroom Assistant, Drama or Music courses provide them with excellent skills for later in their careers. On a non-academic note the year also gives students the opportunity to mature and develop so that when they do settle down to their chosen career they have the skills to achieve their full potential. Many students considering a career in an Garda Siochána are opting to undertake the Security Studies course as part of their preparation for the application process to An Garda Siochána,' according to Ms Lacey.Not sure about your CAO offerSometimes students who have exceeded their expectations in the Leaving Certificate find that they now have other choices available to them but because they didn"t include these on their CAO form in February they are now unable to access these courses. Ms Lacey warns students not to accept their first offer just because they want to leave home. 'It is important that you are ready to take that next step, a year exploring a career you didn"t previously consider may help you decide regardless of the fact your points permits you to aim higher than you planned.'Replace your Leaving Cert points with a FETAC optionStudents who are considering repeating their Leaving Certificate should take into account that they can use their points from a FETAC course at Cavan Institute as an alternative to their Leaving Certificate points according to Ms Lacey. 'The Higher Education Links scheme allows students to use their points from their Cavan Institute course instead of their Leaving Certificate points. All courses at Cavan Institute offer an alternative route to a number of degrees, for example the Cultural and Heritage course at Cavan Institute is linked with the B.A Arts Degree at NUI Maynooth with students progressing from Cavan to NUI Maynooth using their FETAC results. The science and music courses at Cavan Institute are also linked with relevant degree programmes at NUI Maynooth.' Students who find that they are missing a science subject have the option of studying that area at Cavan Institute. 'The pre-university Science and Laboratory Techniques course is designed for those who are preparing for a science degree or who are lacking the necessary science subjects required for a course,' says Ms Lacey. For those interested in a career in Nursing there are several routes from the FETAC Nursing course to consider.Skills for the employment marketThe Cavan Institute Director outlined the importance of looking at market trends when selecting a course of study. 'A close working relationship with industry has resulted in Cavan Institute developing a range of courses that meet the needs of both students and employers. Currently because of the demand for more trained staff we are working with Quinn-direct on a number of initiatives in the insurance and financial services area,' Ms Lacey told the Westmeath Examiner. She also highlighted the growing demand for PC repair and support services which has led to a real shortage of skilled experienced technicians. 'This shortage presents excellent opportunities for those willing to train or retrain in the IT disciplines.'Beauty and Sports Therapy or HairdressingCavan Institute also offers a range of therapy courses including the internationally recognized CIDESCO Diploma in Beauty, the ITEC Diploma in Sports Therapy and Aromatherapy and the senior and junior trades examinations in Hairdressing with the City and Guilds International Hairdressing Diploma. Ms Lacey stresses that with these qualifications graduates can expect to find a job at home or abroad. 'There is a growing demand for qualified sports therapists and physical training instructors both at a local and national level,' says the Cavan Institute Director. 'GAA teams are now employing sports injury specialists, many of our students work alongside physiotherapists as they complete their training. On completion of their course they have the option of opening their own clinic or continuing their studies to degree level in the area of Sports Injuries and Treatment.' They may eventually progress via links established to a Masters in Physiotherapy, according to Ms Lacey.Financial reality and the social lifeAnn Marie Lacey concedes that while parents may ask about the qualification and the cost students often want to know about the social life. 'There is a real College buzz about the town and campus. Accommodation is very reasonably priced in contrast to the cities and while the Institute is large class sizes are kept small to ensure each student reaches their potential.'Students taking courses at Cavan Institute are eligible for maintenance grants, which are means tested. All applicants should contact their local VEC for further information on their entitlements. A limited number of Sports Scholarships are also available to registered students at the Institute. Cavan Institute accepts applications from Leaving Cert Applied students as well as from those wishing to return to education but who may not hold a Leaving Cert.Further information on full-time day courses and the application procedure is available from Cavan Institute, Cathedral Road, Cavan, tel 049-433 2633 or through their website at www.cavaninstitute.ie.