Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) courses are run in schools and colleges around the country and can be an excellent stepping stone to employment or further education.

Most courses are full-time and last for either one or two years. They involve a combination of practical and academic work and are closely associated with industry, which means they generally offer good work placements.

There are currently more than 1,000 courses on offer nationwide. More than 90pc of PLC courses are delivered by Vocational Education Committees (VECs). Disciplines covered include: business;

computing; electronical engineering; catering; sport and leisure; theatre and stage; performance art; art, craft and design; equestrian studies; multimedia studies; journalism; tourism; marketing; childcare and community care; hairdressing and beauty; applied science; and horticulture. Visit the Department of Education website, www. education. ie, for a list of courses by county. A maintenance grant is also payable to participants on PLC courses.

Many PLC courses offer Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) accreditation at various levels. The more advanced courses can allow students to continue to further studies at third level.

Make sure you find out exactly what kind of qualification is attached to the course you are interested in.

Dymphna McCartney, deputy principal at Rathmines College of Further Education, says PLC courses offer students "a very practical second bite of the cherry, rather than going back to repeat the Leaving Cert".

She says the college's contacts with industry are invaluable. "We have a wide base of industry people we send students out to and the students then get credit for that work experience. After the courses, there are very few who want to work who don't get work."

The college runs a variety of courses of both one and two years in duration. Some offer FETAC awards, while others offer professional qualifications or higher national diplomas. The diplomas are UK qualifications, recognised by the Institutes of Technology (ITs), and students may subsequently be able to go on to year three of a course at one of the ITs.

Courses include medical administration, legal secretary, journalism, public relations, accounting technician, business studies and many more. Those interested in courses at Rathmines can apply online at for interview before the end of August.

Emer Walsh, staff officer at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa, Cork, says the PLC course can offer students another route to the career they want.

"There is usually an opportunity for progression on to a university or IT with PLC courses. Students who have a particular university course in mind should make sure they find out which FETAC qualification would be most suitable or would allow them to go on to that course."

The college offers courses in science, business, media, social studies and IT.

Prospective students can ring or call into the college for an application form, to be submitted before the end of August.

The City of Dublin VEC will run a drop-in centre in Parnell Square when the Leaving Cert results come out and also a helpline on 1800 204080. The National Parents Council and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors will also run a helpline on 1800 265165.