Beyond College – Apprenticeships, Training & Direct Work Routes

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

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 – 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 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. Featured Guests: 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 Episode Highlights: 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 Useful Links: National Parents Council: https://www.npc.ie Trinity Access Programme: https://www.tcd.ie/trinityaccess/ Jigsaw Youth Mental Health: https://jigsaw.ie 🎧 Listen now on: 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

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

NPC Podcast - ISSU Episode