Other students may already know that college isn’t the ideal choice for them, but may feel pressured into it anyway. ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships offer the best of both worlds – a college experience while working and being paid to learn. They can also be a stepping stone to third-level, with a number of places reserved for PLC students to progress into college in various courses, including science, nursing, law and engineering. Then, once they pass their exams, the student’s course automatically transfers to the higher education institution (college or university). “If you know, 100 per cent, what you want to do in college, go ahead with the CAO.

Source: The Irish Times January 20, 2026 14:03 UTC