A two year full time course, the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) is an academic, practical and career orientated programme that focuses on the talents of each student and is an alternative to the mainstream Leaving Cert.
Students study a combination of subjects including Arts, English, French, Irish, Social Education and ICT with a key focus on the social & personal development of students.
Work placement is an important part of the course with these periods giving students an opportunity to experience employment in areas such as childcare, retail, hairdressing, mechanics, sport & leisure to name but a few.
Past student Hayleigh Nugent, who achieved the highest national marks in the Leaving Cert Applied 2018, reflects fondly on her time with LYS,
‘I left school in Fifth Year as I didn’t feel it was for her me. However, when I’d go for job interviews I would always be asked did I have my Leaving Cert and I started to feel I was missing out on something,’ said Hayleigh.
Heyleigh (centre) with staff from LYS
Hayleigh enrolled with LYS’ former Abbey Youth Local Training Initiative in 2015 and from there her pathway led to the LCA programme at LYS’ Community Training Centre.
After graduating Hayleigh studied Child Care at Central College, Limerick and is now studying for a BA in Early Childhood Care & Education at Mary Immaculate College.
Hayleigh was full of praise for the LCA programme saying that ‘more young people should be made aware of it (LCA) as a course option after their Junior Cert.’
‘My dream is to become a teacher and with the LCA programme, I chose a different way of getting there,’ said Hayleigh.
‘it was the best thing I’ve ever done’
Jacqueline Hogan-Pool, a student who completed her LCA in June 2020, speaks highly of her time with LYS saying ‘it was the best thing I’ve ever done.’
‘I really enjoyed my two years there!’ said Jacqueline adding ‘I loved the way the subjects were taught and the work placements were very good.’
Jacqueline with rugby star Keith Earls, whom she met as part of her LCA work experience
‘The staff at LYS were very supportive and I found this really helpful, particularly at the start,’ said Jacqueline who has since completed her first year at Central College, Limerick, where she is studying Social Care.
For more information on the LCA please contact Noreen Murphy at 061-412444 or click HERE
The LCA is one of a number of educational, training and employability opportunities for young people at our Community Training Centre, Lr. Glentworth St, Limerick.
This provision is supported by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014 – 2020.
A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Organisations, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
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