FET graduate and third year mathematical sciences student from Drogheda, Megan Dooley, is one of a growing cohort of school leavers who are choosing to take the plc route.

“I had a number of things I wanted to do after school that I struggled to narrow down to just one, and eventually just decided to choose something I’d enjoy studying instead of trying to decide what career I’d like.”

Megan came across FET initially through her local Youthreach, located in the Laytown/Bettystown area. Through the support she received here, she was encouraged to apply to a QQI Level 5 mechanical engineering course locally at the Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE).

Following the successful completion of her mechanical engineering course, Megan completed a further QQI Level 5 early childhood care and education with special needs in DIFE.

After two years spent working in the childcare sector, Megan made the decision to pursue the mathematical career path and returned to education. Through the earlier qualification in mechanical engineering, she applied to study at degree level and is now in her third year studying mathematical sciences in TU Dublin. For Megan, taking the plc route after school, helped to prepare her for taking that leap into studying at degree level.

“Completing the course gave me the confidence and opportunity to pursue a degree in university, as well as providing me with academic skills that have contributed to my studies in university.”

Many students like Megan find that they gain a huge amount from the extra year through the development of their skills in research, presentations, writing and communication skills.

“I think that plcs can aid people in making decisions about their future, and help to ease the transition from second- to third-level education.”

Megan has since gone on to win the Kastus Scholarship for Women in Mathematics and Statistics at TU Dublin and is looking forward to a bright future ahead. Her advice for Leaving Certificate students who are navigating next steps after school is informed by her own experience of exploring and finding the path that works for her.

“I think people have this idea that they have to decide, at 17/18 years old, what they want to do for the rest of their lives and that’s just not true. You have your whole life to do as many, or as few, different jobs or careers as you’d like. Just choose what you want to do for right now, and if/when you change your mind, do something else.”

Read the full article in The Irish Times and explore a world of FET opportunities at FetchCourses.ie.