Leaving Cert Pathways – Tech Apprenticeships Explained: A Parent’s Guide (with FIT)

In this episode of the #NPC podcast, we take a closer look at tech apprenticeships in Ireland — what they actually involve, how they work in practice, and what they can offer young people and their families.

We hear from someone working directly in the tech apprenticeship space with FIT – Fast Track into Information Technology, alongside an apprentice currently working in Salesforce, who shares their lived experience of this pathway.

Together, they talk honestly about:

• What tech apprenticeships are and how they differ from traditional college routes
• The earn-as-you-learn model and how apprentices split time between work and study
• The supports available to apprentices, both academically and personally
• How parents can help young people explore interests in tech, coding, and digital skills
• Where tech apprenticeships can realistically lead in terms of qualifications, careers, and progression

This episode is about understanding the options, asking questions, and exploring pathways together.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• FIT – Fast Track into Information Technology: https://fit.ie
• FIT Tech Apprenticeships: https://fit.ie/tech-apprenticeships
• Apply to become a Tech Apprentice (FIT): https://fit.ie/tech-apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice
• Salesforce Trailhead (free learning platform): https://trailhead.salesforce.com

Support for parents
If you need support at any point, the National Parents Council Helpline is available. Details are included below.

National Parents Council Helpline: https://www.npc.ie/helpline

Listen to the #NPC podcast:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KNpFWDHrjyZ5JqxaI4G6l
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-npc-podcast/id1772055386
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad65671c/the-npc-podcast

#NPC #LeavingCertPathways #TechApprenticeships #ParentSupport

🎙️ Episode 3 — Beyond College: Apprenticeships, Training & Direct Work Routes

University isn’t the only path. In this episode, we explore apprenticeships, traineeships, PLCs, and direct routes into work — what they look like today, how they’re changing, and how parents can support teens to choose the path that fits.

• Real stories from a software-development apprentice and a PLC learner who progressed to university.
• National insight into the Further Education & Training (FET) landscape and modern apprenticeships.
• Practical tips for parents: taking the pressure off, creating “breathing room,” and finding impartial guidance.

• Jack Yeates — Software Development apprentice.
• Chelsea Lyons — PLC learner who progressed to Law & History at DCU.
• Nessa (SOLAS) — National perspective on FET & apprenticeships.

• National Parents Council (NPC)
• SOLAS
• NPC Linktree

• NPC Helpline: 01 887 4477 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm)
• Leaving Cert Helpline (results week): 1800 265 165

If this helped, follow and share with a parent exploring life after the Leaving Cert.

#NPC #Apprenticeships #FET #PLC #Parents #LeavingCert

Poll: Which path would you like to learn more about?

• Apprenticeships
• PLCs
• Traineeships
• Going straight to work

Transitioning from Leaving Cert exams to university life involves more than just CAO points. In this engaging and informative episode, we explore the challenges and solutions for families navigating this crucial phase.

• Sarah Grimson, Associate Director: Admissions & Post Entry, Trinity College Dublin
• Bríd Hannan, Educational Guidance Coordinator, Trinity Access Programme
• Kim Lombard, Mental Health & Wellbeing Promotion, Schools Clinical Lead, Jigsaw
• Alicia, First-Year University Student sharing her personal insights
• Trina, Parent offering practical advice from a parent's perspective

• Demystifying the CAO process
• Insights into admissions and access programmes at Trinity College Dublin
• Practical wellbeing and stress management strategies from Jigsaw
• Authentic experiences from students and parents on what to expect and how to cope

• National Parents Council: https://www.npc.ie
• Trinity Access Programme: https://www.tcd.ie/trinityaccess/
• Jigsaw Youth Mental Health: https://jigsaw.ie

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KNpFWDHrjyZ5JqxaI4G6l
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-npc-podcast/id1772055386
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad65671c-9106-469e-b374-2f37c3043328/the-npc-podcast

#NPC #LeavingCert #CAO #CollegeTransition #ParentSupport #MentalHealth