🎙️ 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

The Leaving Cert Journey – Stress & Wellbeing

📌 Focus:

Recognising pressure, spotting hidden stress, and simple supports for students and parents

👥 Guests:

• Owen Houlihan – Guidance Counsellor & Leaving Cert Helpline volunteer
• Dr Kim Lombard – Mental-Health Clinician, Jigsaw
• Alisha – First-year student (sat LC 2024)
• Tríona – Parent of a recent LC student (Donegal)

💡 Key Points:

• Why the Leaving Cert is more than “just an exam” – existential pressure & identity worries
• Hidden stress signals parents often miss (sleep, appetite, shoulder tension)
• Sleep, nutrition & Pomodoro study hacks that actually work
• Balancing praise: effort vs. points – shifting to an internal locus of control
• Re-framing mocks panic and “points-chat” peer pressure
• Practical routines—from box-breathing to tech wind-downs
• CAO myths busted: Level 6/7 backdoors & dropping out without shame
• Helpline inside view: top 3 questions in the first 24 hours of results

📞 Support Mentioned:

• NPC Helpline (year-round): 01 887 4477
• National Leaving Cert Helpline (results week only): 1800 265 165
• Jigsaw parent webinars: https://jigsaw.ie/neart/

🔗 Useful Links:

• NPC: https://www.npc.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

🎧 Listen now:

Stream on your favourite app, share with a mate, and hit

Follow

so you don’t miss the next instalment – “From Exams to Campus” (Episode 2).

📢 Hashtags:

#NPC #LeavingCert #StressSupport #Wellbeing #ParentingTeens

We’re joined by Arlene Forster, CEO of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

Arlene shares insights into the redevelopment of the Senior Cycle and how these changes aim to create a more inclusive, student-centred education system.

This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and students who want to understand the future of post-primary education in Ireland.

💬 Join the conversation: Take part in our poll and share your thoughts on the most important aspect of the Senior Cycle reforms.

✨ #NPCPodcast | #SeniorCycleReform | #EducationMatters | #NCCA

We’re joined by Jack McGinn, President of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU).

Jack shares insights into how students feel about the Senior Cycle changes and what these reforms mean for their education and wellbeing.

• The ISSU’s views on the proposed Senior Cycle reforms.
• The shift from single-terminal exams to ongoing assessment components.
• The importance of breaking down barriers to ensure inclusivity for all students.
• How the Senior Cycle can better prepare students for life after school, whether through college, apprenticeships, or the workforce.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how these reforms impact students directly and the role the ISSU plays in advocating for their voices.

• 🎧 Spotify
• 🎧 Apple Podcasts
• 🎧 Amazon Music

💬 Join the conversation: Take part in our poll and share your thoughts on what you think is the most important factor in ensuring the success of the Senior Cycle reforms.

✨ #NPCPodcast | #StudentVoice | #SeniorCycleReform | #ISSU

In this episode of the NPC Podcast, we’re joined by Shane Martin, Chartered Psychologist and keynote speaker at the upcoming NPC Education Conference 2024 – Building Futures Together. Shane shares valuable insights into how parents can support their children’s mental health and build resilience in an increasingly challenging world.

• Practical strategies for parents to help children manage their emotions and navigate stress
• Recognising the signs of stress in children and how to respond supportively
• The importance of resilience and tips for fostering it at home
• How schools can work alongside parents to create a supportive environment for mental health

This episode also provides a sneak peek into Shane’s conference keynote, where he’ll delve deeper into these topics. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion!

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music

For more information about the NPC Education Conference 2024, visit npc.ie.

In this episode of the NPC Podcast series on Senior Cycle Redevelopment, we speak with Dr Colman Noctor, a child and adolescent psychotherapist. Dr Noctor shares his expert insights on the impact of the Senior Cycle on students' mental health and wellbeing, as well as the pressures they face during exam years.

We explore:

• How exam stress and academic pressures affect students' mental health and wellbeing.
• Practical advice for parents on supporting their children during high-stress periods.
• The importance of balancing academic achievement with personal development.

Dr Noctor offers valuable advice for parents and educators looking to create a supportive environment for students during their Senior Cycle years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how to help students manage the emotional and psychological challenges of secondary school.

• X: @colnoc77
• Instagram: @noctorcolman

• Visit the Senior Cycle Redevelopment website for detailed information, updates, and resources.
• Contact the Department of Education directly at scr_info@education.gov.ie for any questions.

• Website: National Parents Council Ireland
• Facebook: National Parents Council Ireland on Facebook
• Instagram: @npcireland

• Website: Department of Education
• Twitter: @Education_Ire

Understanding the Redevelopment of Senior Cycle Education: Insights from the Department of Education

In this inaugural episode of the NPC Podcast series on Senior Cycle Redevelopment, we speak with Esther Doyle from the Department of Education. Esther provides valuable insights into the comprehensive changes being planned for Ireland's senior cycle, covering what parents, students, and educators need to know about the upcoming reforms.

We explore:

• The introduction of new subjects such as Climate Action and Sustainable Development and Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies.
• The revision of all subject specifications to include new assessment components.
• The development of Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes and the new Transition Year Programme Statement.

These changes aim to create a more inclusive and student-centred education system. Tune in to learn more about these key changes, the timelines for their implementation starting from 2025, and how parents can get involved in the consultation process to shape the future of senior cycle education in Ireland. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of post-primary education.

For more information on Senior Cycle Redevelopment:

• Visit the Senior Cycle Redevelopment website for detailed information, updates, and to access resources such as Information Notes sent to schools.
• Contact the Department of Education directly at scr_info@education.gov.ie for any questions.

Find us online:

• Website: National Parents Council Ireland
• Facebook: National Parents Council Ireland on Facebook
• Instagram: @npcireland

Department of Education Links:

• Website: Department of Education
• Twitter: @Education_Ire