With so much attention surrounding the CAO offers, students could be forgiven for thinking that if they don't get an offer it's the end of the world. The fact of the matter is that there is a wealth of careers accessible outside the CAO, and the range and variety of options available can often be overlooked.
An Garda Síochána
People can apply to join the Gardaí when a recruitment campaign is launched. In order to apply, one must register on www.publicjobs.ie. School leavers may apply but passes are required in Maths, either English or Irish and another language. Leaving Cert Applied students must have achieved a merit grade.
The height requirement has been replaced with a physical competency test which is part of the application process. Applicants can view what's in store for them in that test on www.garda.ie.
Other parts of the application procedure include aptitude tests, an in-depth interview, job simulation exercises and a thorough medical.
Training is split into five phases which mix theory with on-the-job experience. Details of the training course are available on www.garda.ie/angarda/college.html.
Horse racing
While some Leaving Cert school leavers go on to become trainee jockeys, most entrants tend to be younger. The minimum age is 15 while 18 years is the upper limit for new trainees in the Racing Academy and Centre for Education (RACE) which is based in the Curragh. RACE is the primary education and training centre for young people who want to work in the horseracing industry.
For trainee jockeys, there is a weight requirement which must not exceed nine stone. Junior Cert is the required level of education but trainees must produce a reference from their school. No previous riding experience is necessary but there is a basic riding test during the trial for the course. A medical certificate is also required.
The course is a year long and combines practical riding and stable yard experience with theory modules that can be built upon if the trainees wish to proceed on to third level college.
If you are interested in working in the industry but, by reasons of weight, age or riding ability, cannot apply for the jockey programme, RACE also provides training for grooms. The 30 week course has similar entry requirements to the trainee jockey programme. There is no weight restriction however and with the current shortage of qualified stable staff, employment prospects are good.
For further information see www.racingacademy.ie.
Apprenticeships
Another option is to take an apprenticeship, such as learning to be an electrician. Apprentices work with employers learning the necessary skills for a career as a qualified craftsperson. The training mixes the practical with the theoretical and apprentices receive a wage while they are working on-the-job along with a FÁS funded training allowance while they are learning off the job. Most apprenticeships take four years to complete.
In order to become an apprentice, you must find a job with a suitable employer who can offer you an apprenticeship in your chosen trade. Your employer will then register you with FÁS.
Apprentices must be at least 16 and they should have achieved five passes in the Junior Cert.
Training consists of seven phases. Apprentices alternate between working with their employer on the job and learning the theoretical side and the skills required in a FÁS centre or other educational institution.
The careers available through FÁS apprenticeships are varied and it is certainly work looking at www.fas.ie for details if interested.
The above is just a taste of what's available. If you don't get a CAO offer, or if the courses available on the CAO don't appeal to you, it's important not to despair. There are lots of opportunities still available.
A good website on which to explore your options is www.careerdirections.ie. If you do a bit of research, who knows what you might come up with?