The Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin has advised Leaving Cert students "to think carefully about choosing courses in the science, engineering and technology sectors'.'
These areas, she said, offer qualifications which are "in high demand with good career prospects, and are critically important to support the growth of high-value-knowledge-based industries in Ireland".
Minister Hanafin urged students and parents to think carefully about their options, and to seek advice where they are uncertain.
"There has never been more options or choices available than there are now for students coming out of school with their Leaving Cert.
"Last year some 38,000 students accepted a CAO offer and a further 23,000 entered post-Leaving Certificate courses. In addition, there is a wide range of other training and education opportunities available, such as apprenticeships. So whatever your results - there is something out there for you."
Minister Hanafin also urged students to seek guidance from the people that matter to them most, their parents, families and teachers.
"While some students will be out of the country at this time and can access their results on-line or over the phone, I still think it is important that students go to their school, be with their friends and get the help and support that their teachers are there to provide.
In other reaction, the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) has defended the Leaving Certificate against charges that it is being "dumbed down".
Offering his congratulations to students, Tim O' Meara, President, TUI, said the Leaving Certificate examination "enjoys an extremely high reputation internationally - the examination remains rigorous and thorough".
The ASTI President Michael Freeley also rejected dumbing down claims about the exam.
"Young people are working harder than ever before and, with the support of their parents and teachers, are focusing on realising their education and career goals," he said.
Mr Freeley paid tribute to the second level teachers who worked with this year's Leaving Certificate students. "Despite large class sizes and a well-reported lack of resources in Irish second level schools, the commitment of teachers to their students helps to ensure the delivery of a high quality education service across all types of second level school."
Michael Moriarty of the Irish Vocational Education Association encouraged students, to look at all the options available, particularly the variety in choice and opportunity open to students through the Post Leaving Certificate and Further Education courses.
Mr Moriarty also highlighted how in every main street of every town, there are successful businesses that owe their origins to the learning of new skills through a PLC course in the local VEC College of Further Education'.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has advised students waiting for their Leaving Cert results to avoid unnecessary panic if they receive disappointing grades.
Many students disappointed by their Leaving Cert results could still be granted one of their CAO choices on Monday or in the subsequent rounds of offers according to USI president, Colm Hamrogue.
The Joint Managerial Body/Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools also congratulated students on their results.
Its general secretary, Ferdia Kelly, said: The achievement of this year's Leaving Certificate students is even more remarkable, he said, when one reflects on the areas in our education system which requires more resources.
"Examples of such areas requiring attention includes the pupil teacher ratio which at 18 to 1 is too high, the level of the capitation grant which in the case of the Voluntary Secondary sector is still lagging well behind the other second level sectors and support for special education needs to ensure effective integration into mainstream schools."
Sinn Fein's Seán Crowe said urgent action was needed to ease the pressure on students which was increasing every year.
