Aftercare can feel like a daunting time and it also happens when you have a lot going on in terms of your education and training. Although it may feel like you have a lot on at this time your education or training is the best investment you can make in yourself. If offers you more choices and provides you with an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

It’s also important to point out that there is not just one road to education that begins and ends with the leaving certificate CAO. Sometimes people leave school early and others choose to get a trade so it’s time to see what are the options out there..

Leaving Cert Route:

Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC’s): VEC throughout Ireland provide PLC courses in a wide range of topics. These courses can provide a stepping stone to other college courses and give people an opportunity to experience writing assignments etc.

Third Level: After the leaving cert some people choose to go to college or university o study for a diploma or a degree. Some choose to take on full time courses and others chose to do part time courses. There are a wide range of colleges and courses available in Ireland to find out more look at www.cao.ie

Adult Literacy Courses

Some young people feel they need some help with their ability to read and write before they take on courses, other would just like to improve their spellings before sitting exams etc and there are a number of options nationwide including:

VEC Adult Literacy Courses are open to all adults who want help with reading and writing. It’s free to join a VEC Adult Literacy Scheme and you can join anytime during the year. Contact the ‘Adult Literacy Organiser’ or the ‘Adult Education Organiser’ in your local VEC.

NALA (National Adult LiteracyAgency) NALA helps people to improve their literacy using tutors and distance learning services. Freephone

1800 20 20 65

Website: www.nala.ie

Learn Online for free @ www.literacytools.ie

www.writeon.ie

Dublin Adult Learning Centre

The Dublin Adult Learning Centre is an adult basic education centre based in Dublin's north inner city. The centre provides individual and group tuition in reading, writing and spelling for adults with reading and writing difficulties. The service provided is free and confidential they also provide a FETAC 3 Day Programme

FETAC 3 Day Programme provides an opportunity for students who want to improve their reading, writing and spelling skills while also gaining FETAC accreditation. The course runs from 10am to 1pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Contact them at info@dalc.ie

Youth Reach

Youth reach is an option for young people who may have left school before 18yrs. Students have the opportunity to gain qualifications and experiences in new areas and activities to give students a better chance at finding a career and getting the most out of life.

The Youthreach Programme is run by VECs in Youthreach Centres.

Go to www.youthreach.ie to find your nearest centre.