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July 13, 2020

Leaving Cert Applied: A Different Pathway

LCA Class 2020 raised funds for Milford as part of a social enterprise projects

Are you 16-19yrs?  No longer in school?  Interested in an exciting new challenge?  Why not join us at Limerick Youth Service (LYS) and study the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA).

A two year full time course, the LCA is an academic, practical and career orientated programme that focuses on the talents of each student and helps them apply what they learn in the real world.

‘LCA…focuses on the talents of each student’

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.

‘it was the best thing I’ve ever done’

Jacqueline Hogan (19yrs), a student who completed her LCA this past June, 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.’

‘The staff at LYS were very supportive and I found this really helpful, particularly at the start,’ said Jacqueline, adding ‘no matter how many times one of us wanted to give up, they were there to motivate us.

Jacqueline was studying her Leaving Cert at secondary school but found that it wasn’t for her and has blossomed since her move to LYS.

As part of her studies Jacqueline completed diverse periods of employment experience that included classroom support at Corpus Christi Primary School, a stores assistant with Guiney’s and a mentor with LYS’ youth work team and it was during the latter that she even sat in on a training session with the Irish rugby team!

Jacqueline with rugby start Keith Earls

Jacqueline is now preparing for the next phase of her career when she will enrol in Central College Limerick to study Social, Community & Health Care this September and, as she reflects on her time with LYS is keen to thank the staff, particularly the LCA teachers.

The LCA is delivered in a supportive environment at LYS’ Community Training Centre, with the small class sizes and holistic approach allowing students develop and enjoy their experience with LYS.

For more information on the LCA please contact Julian Lynch at 061-412444 or click HERE

LYS has a number of educational, training and employability opportunities for young people (16-21yrs) 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, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.

ENDS####