College Awareness!
This month is all about College Awareness – Whether you are doing the Leaving Cert next year, left school early or are hoping to return to education…Deciding to go to college can raise many questions, but always remember there are many ways to achieve your goal from PLC courses and apprenticeships to degree programmes. It is important to choose what’s best for you?
We will also introduce Social Welfare – for when life hits the shuffle button
November Dates
| 8 | Happy Diwali |
| 10 | World Science Day for Peace and Development |
| 24 | Full Moon (The Beaver Moon) |
How to choose the right course?
- A Career
Check Careers Portal
Learn moreFirstly, it is okay not to know what you want to do, this is perfectly normal. Talk to people, a guidance counsellor, someone working in the job you are interested in, someone you admire / trust. Take an online interest assessment on Careers Portal.
- A college
Attend Open Days
Attend open days. Things to consider include; course choice, distance from home, is it fee paying, student facilities, size of the campus, college atmosphere.
- A course
Search Qualifax
Learn moreAsk yourself does the course suit your particular interest, your abilities, your career goals? Is it full-time or part-time? What Level is the Course? When / How do I apply for it?
- A progression
Build your qualification
Learn moreAsk yourself questions – where will this course bring me? what can I do next?
Social Welfare.
For when life hits the shuffle button.
As a young person, you might not expect to need social welfare, but life can be unpredictable. You could finish school or college and not find work straight away. Or maybe you lose your job, get sick, or need to care for someone at home. In any of these situations, social welfare is there to support you while you get back on your feet.
Social welfare is support from the Irish government to help people who are struggling financially. It’s there to make sure that everyone can meet their basic needs like food, rent, and bills especially during tough times. Some payments depend on how much money you have. This is called a means test.
There are different types of payments, depending on your situation. For example, Jobseeker’s Allowance is for people looking for work, and Back to Education Allowance supports people returning to study. If you’re renting, you might get help through HAP (Housing Assistance Payment).
Social welfare isn’t about getting something for nothing; it’s about keeping people safe and supported when life doesn’t go to plan, so if you need help, it’s okay to ask. It’s your right!
Knowing it’s there can give you peace of mind.
Create your own signature hot chocolate.
Create your own signature hot chocolate.
Create your own signature hot chocolate.
Create your own signature hot chocolate.
Create your own signature hot chocolate.
Host a board games night!
Host a board games night!
Host a board games night!
Host a board games night!
Host a board games night!
Create sound art
Make sound art – explore sounds in nature. Check out landscapes; urban, beside the water, where you live, forests, woods and beaches etc. You can also record them and see what difference time makes to the sounds. What does it sound like at night or in the morning. Different times of year and different weather all make a difference to sound.
Write a story or poem
Find your inspiration from photos or paintings are they bright and fun, are they dark, let your imagination run and tell your stories.
Useful contacts
collegeaware.ie College awareness week – Talks, careers fairs, college visits and more are held at locations throughout the country. There are also events held at libraries, colleges and universities.
sfi.ie Find out about discover centres, science week and more!
solas.ie Check out their construction and programmes section for information on safe pass, green skills, course information, apprenticeships, ecollege and more.
Guidance Counsellors
They are trained to help you with your personal development, social development, and education and career guidance. Most schools will have a guidance counsellor who you can make an appointment with. They are also available in colleges, universities, your local employment office, as well as privately.
Have any questions?
The online chat service is staffed by Youth Information Officers from centres across Ireland. It is available from 4pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday!