There are a multitude of reasons why people decide to gain official qualifications – not least the fact that they improve your employability and can help fast-track you into the career you want. There are many different types of certification – from academic to professional, trade and vocational – and there is no doubt that there is something to suit everyone no matter what area of study or career industry they are interested in pursuing.

If you’ve missed out on the points you need to get into college or university it doesn’t mean you can’t still get into the career industry you want to – you might just have to take a different approach to get there! Both higher and further education and training programmes, for example, are specifically designed for people who want to gain specific skills – whether they be in computers, childcare or fork lift truck driving – needed to pursue a particular career. All higher and further education and training programmes in Ireland grant qualifications at different levels and their value is consistent with the same level of qualifications received in other institutions. Moreover, the value of the qualification you receive is recognised both nationally and internationally so you – and potential employers – will know exactly what it means!

Or, if you need to obtain a higher level of qualification such as a degree in order to break into your preferred career, further education and training programmes can help you progress onto that level at an Institute of Technology, University or College. So, whatever your interests and whatever qualifications you wish to gain, it’s easier than ever to get them and understand their value under the standardised system of qualifications in place in Ireland – the National Framework of Qualifications.