I'm lost about getting back into education

MC Homicidal Maniac

I did not do well in school, I was very busy as a teenager playing Halo and smoking weed so my school work was neglected. So my leaving cert is essentially worthless, but I did get the 5 minimal passes needed for most PLC's. I want to do something in computers, networking or coding preferably. I have a comptia a+ certificate through FAS but there's nothing available to me to progress further. I figured it's only purpose now would be to show some kind of computer related knowledge.

Anyways, I'm completely lost. The only school with lots of PLCs I know is Ballyfermot and they're full up and don't have what I want. I just need resources here, cause I don't know where to look or where to ask. I understand I'm most likely too late for most colleges now, but if people can give me decent resources it'll at least help me be better prepared next year.

I'm in country Kildare btw.

LickiRake

Hi, if your willing to move down here to Waterford, one of the secondary schools here provides PLC FETAC Level 5 courses. They dont start the interview process until after LC results are given out which is this Sunday night. Plus theirs plenty of diversity in the ages of the students if things like that might put you off.

Here's the link anyway if your interested;
http://www.stpaulswaterford.ie/stpaulswaterford/main/PLC.htm

Id say your best bet is to give them a ring if your interested and explain your situation. All the best either way with whatever you decide to do! Good Luck!

looksee

Waterford college of Further Education has a Computer and Network Maintenance course but I don't think there are likely to be places at this stage. You could ring and ask are they going to be doing more interviewing.

You might consider going to one of the colleges rather than a school as you will find the atmosphere different, more adult.

fear corcaigh

Try the local VEC, I'n not sure what area in kildare you are but something like this may suit you http://www.stconlethscc.ie/index.php?page=computer-science

I left school at 15 and like yourself I over indulged in narcotics . I worked in carpentry for 15 years but due to health reasons and unemployment I went for a career change. Last year I did a FETAC coarse in computer networking and I must say some parts of it can be a bit challenging but rewarding especially the programming.

All went well and I am now starting computer science in UCC next month.

There is still time to apply for these coarse as the tutors are on leave for another week so no interviews will be held until they are back. I didn't apply until late August last year and had no proof of experience in computers.

With your A+ certification I think you should have no problem getting a place.

looksee

fear corcaigh wrote: »

There is still time to apply for these coarse as the tutors are on leave for another week so no interviews will be held until they are back. I didn't apply until late August last year and had no proof of experience in computers.

With your A+ certification I think you should have no problem getting a place.

Correct that the schools/colleges do not officially start for another week, but office and senior staff are in - and other staff on an unofficial basis - suggest you ring if you want to contact anywhere.

spurious

MC Homicidal Maniac wrote: »

I did not do well in school, I was very busy as a teenager playing Halo and smoking weed so my school work was neglected. So my leaving cert is essentially worthless, but I did get the 5 minimal passes needed for most PLC's. I want to do something in computers, networking or coding preferably. I have a comptia a+ certificate through FAS but there's nothing available to me to progress further. I figured it's only purpose now would be to show some kind of computer related knowledge.

Anyways, I'm completely lost. The only school with lots of PLCs I know is Ballyfermot and they're full up and don't have what I want. I just need resources here, cause I don't know where to look or where to ask. I understand I'm most likely too late for most colleges now, but if people can give me decent resources it'll at least help me be better prepared next year.

I'm in country Kildare btw.

Lots of VEC colleges have PLC courses. If you contact your local VEC Adult Education Officer they will help you.

Kildare VEC Adult Education contacts

brasher

Where abouts in Kildare are you? I work in Liberties VEC and we have students who get the train in from Maynooth. With your A+ and a decent interview you could still get on to courses in here.