Don't let the leaving cert results get you down

national | education | opinion/analysis Tuesday August 11, 2015 19:01 by By Wayne Flanagan Tobin (personal capacity nb) - Dublin Suicide Prevention Project

Wayne Flanagan Tobin in a personal capacity as former youth worker

DSPP provides some useful tips for young people who may feel stressed after tomorrow's results for young people. This article is solely associated with Dublin Suicide Prevention Project and our policy towards young people and not any other associations (Professional, family or other) that that founders Mary Cullinane or Wayne F. Tobin may have. It is merely advice to young people from a personal perspective in line with DSSP guidelines. Thank-you

There is always hope.

Tips if you didn’t get the Leaving Certificate results you hoped for

If you didn’t get the Leaving certificate results you hoped for it’s important to be equipped with the correct information to explore other options.

1. Apply for a recheck

Firstly, if you genuinely feel you should have got better marks in a particular subject you may apply for a recheck. There is a cost involved but this money will be refunded if you are upgraded. For further information check out www.examinations.ie. The Leaving Certificate helpline may also be contacted on 1800 265 165.

2. Speak to a career guidance counsellor and consider a PLC course

You may also speak to a qualified career guidance counsellor to examine other options. For example, if you were planning on going to University you may consider a PLC course, some of which have alternative routes to third level. PLC courses are popular with many mature students and others as there is a vast range of courses available to adult learners. You should contact your local education and Training Board (ETB) to discuss what courses are available locally. A full list of ETBs can be found on at www.etbi.ie.Many Further education and Training programmes also provide valuable work experience. There are a range of training centres throughout Ireland. If you want to have a look online at one visit the Kerry ETB Training centre at http://kerryetbtrainingcentre.ie/ .

3. Consider a gap year

Some people find a gap year very beneficial. During this year you could either work or consider volunteering. For further information on volunteering check out www.volunteering.ie.

4. Thank about an Apprenticeship

So far this year 7, 096 Apprenticeship TrainingProgrammes have come on stream and this could be something to consider. To find out more about apprenticeships contact your local Intreo office or visit the SOLAS website at www.solas.ie.

5. How about the defense forces?

Minister Simon Coveney recently announced a number of vacancies in the defense forces if you are between 18-25 and have an interest in this area you should visit http://www.military.ie/careers/ . The deadline is September 4th.
These are just a snapshot of the many options if you are unhappy with your Leaving Certificate results but what is important to remember is you should be proud of yourself regardless.

Follow Dublin Suicide Prevention Project on Facebook or contact the adviceline on 085-2831788 Thank you