Applications to Cavan Institute now being accepted through the CAO website

With the normal closing date for applications through the CAO for third level places fast approaching on February 1, Ms Ann Marie Lacey, Director of Cavan Institute hasd advised students that they can now apply to Cavan Institute directly through the CAO portal.  

“While many students at this time are applying for 3 and 4 year degree courses through the CAO, it is now a very simple process to also apply to Cavan Institute through the CAO website,” said Ms Lacey.  

“Applicants simply select Further Education and Training and search for Cavan Institute.  This means that students can complete their CAO application and then complete their application for a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course through the same CAO portal website.  Students will still be able to apply directly to Cavan Institute up to the end of August, however, applicants are advised to apply now as some courses fill up very quickly,” stated Ms Lacey.  

“There will be many Leaving Certificate students still undecided at this time and for these students, a gap year studying on a PLC course can be an excellent choice,” according to Ms Lacey.

The Director of Cavan Institute went on to say that many Cavan Institute graduates take up higher education places in what is known as “Round 0” CAO offers which come next July.  

Last year, students who attended Cavan Institute had great success, having been offered courses in many Level 8 degrees, including PE Teaching, Science, Nursing, Business, Engineering, Art and Sport and Recreation.  These offers were made on the basis of their results in Cavan Institute.

CAPTION: Science remains a very popular choice among students applying to Cavan Institute Picture: Eoin Holland - www.eoinholland.com

Also, a number of students took up places in the UK in areas such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and PE Teaching. Again, these places were offered to students following their results at Cavan Institute.

The announcement, last summer, of large reductions in all course fees at Cavan Institute has led to an increase in enrolment, according to Ms Lacy.

All courses have been reduced to a maximum of €200 in response to the rising cost of living and an effort by Cavan and Monaghan Training Board (CMETB) to make courses at Cavan Institute more accessible for all.

All course materials, exam fees and uniforms are now purchased by CMETB and each student will only have to pay a maximum of €200, no matter which course they decide to pursue.

According to Ms Lacey, this could mean savings of up to €1,300 on some courses such as Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing and the Accounting Technician course.

“Many students are struggling financially at this time and the high cost of Third Level fees and accommodation has contributed to an increase in applications for courses at Cavan Institute,” stated Ms Lacey, who went on to say that further reductions apply to applicants who are in receipt of a benefit (e.g. Medical Card/Social Welfare Payment) where the fee will be just €150. 

Students can expect to save up to €1,300 on some courses. For example; a learner enrolling on the Level 5 Hairdressing course will now pay €200, where previously, course fees were approximately €1,000.  Nursing Studies which previously cost €420 will now cost €200. 

CAPTION: Motor Mechanics students at Cavan Institute can go directly into employment or apprenticeships Picture: Eoin Holland - www.eoinholland.com

Wide range of Opportunities at Cavan Institute

PLC courses offered at Cavan Institute are full-time programmes open to young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and to adults / mature Learners who wish to return to education. The majority of the courses offered at Cavan Institute are either one or two-year programmes and lead to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Level 5 or Level 6.

PLC courses develop technical and practical skills for an industry recognised qualification which can lead directly to employment. They also offer an alternative route into higher education and can give Students the opportunity to try out a subject of interest at a college near home before investing in a 3 or 4 year degree programme.

There is a broad range of course areas to choose from – including Pre-University courses such as Teaching, Law and Accounting, QQI accredited courses in Nursing, Pharmacy, Computing, Psychology, Engineering, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Childcare, Healthcare, Science, Sport, Music and Tourism. 

New Courses

This year, Cavan Institute extended its range of courses with the commencement of 3D Design and Graphics, Fashion Design and Styling, Pre-University Mechatronic and Electronic Engineering, Pre-University Primary and Post Primary Teaching, Security Operations and Administration (Supervisory) (Year 2) and Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

A number of pre-Apprenticeship courses are also being introduced for September 2023, including Pre-Apprenticeship courses in Carpentry and Joinery, Building Construction, Hairdressing and Commis Chef.  Learners from these courses can then progress to existing apprenticeships.  CMETB Training Services currently host two apprenticeship courses in Cavan Institute (Commis Chef and Hairdressing) and it is expected that this offering will expand in the future.

CAPTION: Progression opportunities to Physiotherapy are available at Cavan Institute

Benefits of Further Education and Training

PLC courses can provide a foundation for students in specific sectors before they commit to completing an undergraduate degree course. 

The Institute’s Director said that recent research has shown that students who complete a PLC course have a greater chance of completing a degree if they move into higher education. 

As one of the largest Further Education and Training Colleges Ireland, Cavan Institute offers over 70 PLC courses as well as Apprenticeship and Traineeship courses.  These courses are all offered under the umbrella of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, (CMETB) which provides a wide variety of FET courses throughout the two counties.

Grants / Finance

Many students who are not sure of committing to a four year degree programme use Cavan Institute as a ‘taster’ before committing to a four year degree programme which can be expensive.  

SUSI grants are also available to Cavan Institute students who qualify for this grant.  There are also a number of other financial assistance programmes available such as VTOS and BTEA.  Further details of financial assistance can be found at www.studentfinance.ie

Applications still being accepted

If you are interested in making an application for courses starting this September2023, you can apply directly to Cavan Institute at www.cavaninstitute.ie  or apply through the CAO website at www.cao.ie