FET was the Cinderella of options for school leavers – but it’s had a massive makeover and is a stronger choice than ever before

My education journey: Needless to say, I didn’t last past first year, after which I dropped out and worked in retail

Third-level is not the only option after the Leaving Cert – there are other opportunities out there

It is worth taking time to think about your options as there is no one route into a career

Fewer than 40 sat Leaving Cert papers in July under pilot scheme for bereaved pupils

Retired piano technician who left secondary school at the age of 14 sat higher level English

The class of 2019 have more options than ever before

Dubliner Anthony Lynam is one of the oldest students to ever sit the State exams

From LinkedIn to interview tips, we examine what steps you can take to stand out from the crowd

Many colleges set aside places for students who have completed Post-Leaving Cert courses

Aderemi Abdioye changed his name after years of applying for ‘every job possible’

Further education expanding to offer apprenticeship and traineeship programmes in finance and IT

Western Building Systems still constructing schools while litigation over four under way

Jobseekers can take steps to maximise their chances of getting hired

Ballyfermot College of Further Education graduate: ‘There are no straight lines in life’

There are hundreds of options to choose from but a little research will go a long way

Structured training programmes allow you to earn as you work towards a qualification

Practical, hands-on courses offer career progression and skills enhancement outside traditional CAO system

There are plenty of options available to school-leavers who don’t go to university

If you didn't get the place you wanted there are alternative routes to the career you want