PLC Providers
- Question
- My son is interested in doing a PLC course but I was wondering if these courses can only be provided by ETBs or if private colleges can offer PLC courses. Some of the courses he's looked at in further education colleges are only €300 but in some private colleges they can be as much as €2,000! Is there any difference in these courses, or is it just that the ETB run courses are government funded? Are they all recognised as PLCs?
- Answer
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"Yes private colleges can provide Post Leaving Cert courses, Portobello Institute and Dorset College would be 2 popular private colleges offering these. A PLC course by definition is a course that follows Leaving Cert. Leaving Cert is at levels 4 and 5 on the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications)
PLC courses are on levels 5 and 6 on the NFQ, therefore as long as the course is certified by QQI and at level 5 or 6 then a successful PLC graduate has the option of progressing onto levels 7 or 8 in IT or university (if progression options are available) or can use the qualification for employment.
Regarding the cost, the private colleges are not state sponsored, whereas most further education colleges would be, so yes this is the difference."
Distance Learning and Online Courses are offered in a number of different formats, these include correspondence courses (by post), online via computer or a combination of online and classroom instruction (blended learning).. View 
Further Education and PLCs (Post Leaving Cert Courses) have become a popular alternative to the CAO system here in Ireland. PLC Courses are validated by QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) at levels 5 & 6 of the NFQ.. View 
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) helps to keep job skills and professional knowledge up to date and ensures the standard of registrations & qualifications are maintained.. View 
Evening courses and part time learning options are a great way to enhance a CV, to socialise and make friends, as well as learn something completely new. There are an abundance of night courses and evening classes available.. View