I left school with 180 Leaving Cert Points having completed 5 subjects in the Leaving Cert. Going to a university was never really an option for me. Although I worked incredibly hard for my Leaving Cert and never would have got through school without the assistance of my parents and Learning Support Teacher, I had no idea what I wanted to do after school. Having Dyspraxia meant the trades were pretty much ruled out. Having Dyslexia meant that I would be entitled to a laptop in college, but while my typing was good (I typed my Leaving Cert) it wasn’t quite at the level I would need it to be at to type my notes in college. Having gone to The High School my Learning Support Teacher suggested that I go down to Rathmines College of Further Education (Rathmines College FE) to see what courses I would be interested in there.
I met with the then Principal Mary Lonergan. We decided that doing a Level 5 Post Leaving Cert Course in Legal Studies to get my typing speed up to scratch and get me used to college would be the best choice. I loved that course and when it was coming to an end myself and my parents decided that I had always had an interest in the internet and advertising so I did a Post Leaving Cert Course in e-Business and Marketing the following year. Having done very well in that course, I went on to a Level 6 Higher National Diploma in Business and Marketing. At the time that was as far as I could go in Rathmines College FE, but thanks to the links that the college had with (what was then) IT Tallaght I was able to join the 3rd year of their course Ordinary Degree course in Marketing, before doing a Honours Degree in Marketing and finally moving to (what was then) DIT for a Level 9 Masters in Advertising. However, without the skills I was taught, the level of teaching, the network and relationships I developed in Rathmines College of Further Education, I never would have firstly been able to go to college, and then do as well as I did.
According to the Education and Training Board (ETB) there are currently “32,000 staff employed in the EBT sector, educating 368,000 learners, in over 1,000 locations in the 26 counties of The Republic of Ireland”. However, due to the inherent elitism within the education sector for many they’re still looked down upon because students are going to college, but not to university. But there are so many benefits to doing PLC’s, I never would have gotten to university or gotten through college without the skills, network and personal development I received in Rathmines College FE, these are just some of the ones I experienced.
Smaller Class sizes
One of the biggest benefits of going to a College of Further Education is the smaller class sizes. This intimate setting fosters a more tailored approach to learning, characterised by increased interaction with lecturers, enhanced opportunities for asking questions, and readily available feedback. Such an environment cultivates a deeper understanding and engagement with the subject matter, laying a solid foundation for academic growth. Moreover, navigating these smaller classes equips students with valuable skills and confidence that serve them well as they transition to larger educational institutions, ensuring a seamless integration into diverse learning environments.
Standard of teaching
I never did any business courses in school. I was totally new to it and had to be taught everything. Thanks to the quality of teaching, I swiftly grasped the fundamentals of marketing. I had very little experience in writing assignments for college or presenting in general. While I had some issues with assignments due to things like sticking to the word count, my real challenge was doing presentations. I would put a lot of information on the presentation, and my notes. I would look at the notes, look at the laptop screen and look at the big screen, look back at the notes and my Dyslexia would make it very difficult to find where I was on my notes. I knew the information but the layout of the presentations was the problem.
At one point my marketing teacher (who knew me well) said “Barry you know this, throw away the notes”. I did and it was much better. From that point on I put very little on the screen, had no notes and learnt the presentation off from start to finish. This made my presentations much easier and more professional. When I got to my masters the lecturers were surprised and impressed that I was doing this at the start of the course, that’s the standard they wanted at the end of the course. At the end of the course we had a huge presentation to 200 industry experts in advertising. The lecturers said “you can’t use notes”, while everyone else was stressed about it, to me it was just another presentation because of the standard that I had learnt in the PLC.
Friends and Alumni
Because of the smaller class sizes it meant that it was easier for students to create freindships and working relationships with other students. This meant that students made friends easier and also meant that with the number of non-nationals in the course, the students were able to learn different cultures, life experiences and have some great nights out at the same time. I made a number of good friends that I met in Rathmines College of Further Education and one of my best friends that went to IT Tallaght with me (hi Sarah!). It meant that it made learning easier when we did group assignments or bouncing ideas off each other for individual assignments. I also have a network of people I can lean on to this day for advice or learn from their expertise.
Flexible learning styles
One aspect I particularly appreciate about Colleges of Further Education is their emphasis on continuous assessments over traditional exams. Personally, I have never excelled in exam settings; the rigid structure of the Leaving Cert, for instance, always felt limiting. It seemed unjust that an entire education could be distilled into one high-pressure examination on a single day. Recognising that individuals have diverse learning styles, I found myself far more at home with assignments – whether written assignments or in the form of presentations – rather than the stress of exams. While modules often included an exam component, these typically the exam accounted for minority of the overall assessment.
Consequently, I often knew I had passed the module or knew what I had to do in the exam to pass the module well before the exam date arrived. Additionally, the accommodations provided for exams, such as a dedicated room, access to a laptop, and extra time, significantly eased the exam-taking process for me.
A Pathway to Further Eduation
Another significant advantage of attending a College of Further Education is the extensive network they maintain with other third level institutions, including Technical Universities (formerly IT’s) and universities. As I was finishing my studies at Rathmines College FE, I had to transition from a Level 6 to a Level 7. I had the choice of transferring to the second year at DIT, the third year at IADT, or the third year at IT Tallaght, contingent upon my academic performance. Fortunately, my grades met the requirements, and I opted for IT Tallaght after thorough consideration. My decision was heavily influenced by IT Tallaght’s alignment with Rathmines College FE and recommendations from my lecturers.
I used 2 books in Rathmines College FE to quote from a lot, Donal Rogan and Patricia Medcalf, both were lecturers in IT Tallaght, proved instrumental in my academic journey. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The college provided an exceptional learning environment, characterised by brilliant lecturers and supportive peers. Some of my closest friends today, were made during my time at IT Tallaght (shoutout to Shane, Mick, and all my fellow IT Tallaght alumni!). I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
Work Experience
During the Level 5 Certificates, all students are mandated to undertake a two-week work experience placement. I was lucky to secure my work experience opportunity through connections with a family member employed at The Stephens Green Hibernian Club. This experience proved invaluable as it allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge directly within the area of Marketing and Events, a field I would later pursue professionally.
Moreover, it opened doors for additional opportunities within the company in the years that followed. Many Educational Training Boards (ETBs) maintain very close relationships with local businesses and chambers of commerce, facilitating access to work experience placements for students who may lack personal connections or international students seeking opportunities to gain practical experience.
Reduced Cost of Education
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a Post Leaving Cert (PLC) course is undoubtedly its affordability. For instance, when considering most Education Training Boards (ETBs) for either Level 5 or Level 6 qualifications, the cost of the course is nominal, typically around €50-100. In stark contrast, equivalent courses offered by universities in Ireland command much higher fees, some approximately €3,000 and often escalating for international students. This stark contrast in cost makes PLC courses an attractive option for people interested in specific subject areas, such as marketing (as was the case for me), or for those who are unsure about their desired college path.
Opting for a PLC ensures that you aren’t financially tied down, providing flexibility and accessibility to pursue their educational goals. If you’re not suited to the course it also means that you can leave the course easily without feeling like you have to finish the year without feeling like you’re throwing money away through expensive college courses.
Increased Confidence
One of the most significant advantages of doing a PLC is the increased confidence it gives you if you perform well in the course. Reflecting on my journey, if had I transitioned directly from school to university, I doubt I would have possessed the confidence to tackle tasks like presentations or exams, primarily due to my disabilities and a general lack of self-belief. Doing the PLC however, instilled in me a sense of routine and structure in studying, presenting, completing assignments, and sitting exams. This consistent framework provided me with clarity in my coursework. Coupled with the positive grades I achieved, this experience greatly bolstered my confidence and transformed me into a more well-rounded student as I embarked on the rest of my educational journey.
Career preparation
A PLC serves as a sort of trial period, allowing students to gauge their interest and aptitude before committing to higher education. While many students may not proceed to further studies, those who do find it to be a valuable step. This flexibility is advantageous; students who discover that traditional college isn’t the right fit for them can pivot without having invested substantial sums in fees. Instead, they can focus on advancing their careers through alternative paths
Some opt for a gap year, exploring travel opportunities or dedicating time to part-time work. However, one avenue often overlooked is apprenticeships, where individuals can acquire on-the-job skills in their desired trade. Those that do go on to third level often bring with them the valuable skills development that they have learnt in ETB’s and some of the contact in college or the workplace through work experience. Some of the theory that I learnt in my PLC in marketing I still use today and were invaluable throughout my career.
Learning Support
Another advantage of attending a smaller college for third-level education is the personalised 1:1 learning support available, especially for students with disabilities. This aspect is particularly appealing for people with disabilities or who may not have achieved the required points in the Leaving Cert but still aspire to pursue higher education. Personally, I heavily relied on the guidance and assistance of my Learning Support teachers during my school years. The prospect of transitioning to a university environment would have been daunting. However, attending a smaller college with dedicated and excellent Learning Support Teachers made the transition far more manageable.
I cannot speak highly enough of the invaluable assistance provided by the three Learning Support Teachers I had the privilege of working with at Rathmines College FE. Their unwavering support extended beyond mere academic guidance; they helped me navigate assignments, provided crucial encouragement, and fostered an environment conducive to my learning and growth, I don’t think I would have gotten through those four years without them.
Added bonus
Staying in touch with students after they have left the college
I was fortunate to develop strong relationships with many of my lecturers at Rathmines College FE. This enabled me to maintain contact with them even after transitioning to IT Tallaght, leveraging their support and guidance when needed. A testament to the quality of the college is the fact that several of these lecturers remain there to this day, underscoring its reputation as an excellent place to work. By connecting with these lecturers on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter, they were able to witness the progression of my work and the various events I was involved in.
This visibility eventually led to an opportunity for me to deliver a presentation to the staff about my personal journey and the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Irish third-level education, which took place before Christmas. To my surprise and gratitude, I was nominated by them for the ETB Alumni prize at an event held in March.