THE new year often brings about a fresh sense of positivity, purpose and motivation. It can be the kick-start you need to take on new challenges or reach new life goals. For those of us with an interest in the equine industry there are endless possibilities and opportunities available, so many, in fact it can be difficult to narrow down the choices and find the right option for you.

Just remember, whether you are about to leave school or you are seeking professional development, there are options available to you.

LEAVING CERT STUDENTS

When you started back to school in September I am positive one of the first things you were told by your teacher was that this year will be over in a blink so you need to manage your time efficiently. You probably thought no problem - I have a whole year! But now it is coming up to your mock exams and the closing date for CAO applications and you just can’t get your head around where the time went.

Trying to choose your career path on top of sitting exams and having a life can be stressful. The main thing to remember is don’t panic, no matter what the outcome is in August there are options available to you.

QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

It might be a good idea to become familiar with the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This is a system used to describe levels of educational qualifications in Ireland. The framework consists of 10 levels, ranging from basic certificates to doctoral level.

A ‘fan diagram’ is used to illustrate the progression of the levels and this can be seen in figure 1.

The NFQ provides the learner with the ability to access the educational and training system in order to begin a programme of study at a given level, transfer from one programme to another within the system and progress to a higher level of programme within the system following the successful completion of a preceding course of study and attainment of its award.

It is a key tool in plotting your educational progress, climbing the qualifications ladder and setting your educational and professional goals.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You apply for almost all full-time undergraduate courses through the Central Applications Office (CAO). There is no central applications body for Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses. Students must apply directly to the individual colleges. Most colleges interview candidates to determine their suitability.

UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central applications body for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges. Its website contains all the information you need to apply to college including how to apply, fees and information about the colleges. Applications must be made online through the UCAS website. You can apply through your school or as an individual.

MATURE STUDENTS

Third-level colleges reserve a small number of places specifically for mature students who want to participate in full-time day programmes. Generally, you are considered to be a mature student if you are at least 23 years of age on January 1st of the year you enter your course. If you are interested in a particular college you should check how it defines a mature student.

Generally, you will need to have completed your Leaving Certificate to enter into college courses. However, if you are applying for a place as a mature student, you may not be asked to meet the usual entry requirements. Different courses operate different entry procedures, but, in general, the colleges will take into account your educational background, work history, community involvement and other achievements and interests. This system is known as the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). It is useful to find out whether the college of your choice uses the APEL system before you apply (Qualifax has a detailed list of colleges with RPL Policies).

GREEN CERT

The Teagasc Green Cert is also known as a Specific Purpose Certificate in Farm Administration. This course, accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), is suitable for people who wish to meet the minimum educational qualification requirement for Stamp Duty Exemption on the transfer of land. This course is offered at six agricultural colleges - Ballyhaise, Clonakilty, Gurteen, Kildalton, Mountbellew and Pallaskenry. It is also provided at Teagasc Regional Education Centres subject to resources and demand. Students who have completed the QQI Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture, or equivalent course, are eligible to apply.

INFORMATION

Qualifax is an invaluable recourse providing comprehensive information on further and higher education and training courses. Visit their website at qualifax.ie.

EQUESTRIAN COURSES

Thankfully, the Irish economy is in a positive state of recovery growing 7% in the third quarter of 2015 compared with the same period in 2014, new figures reveal. In the 2015 Reaching New Heights Report, Minister Simon Coveney stated the following: “It is estimated that the (sport horse) sector contributes over €700m to the economy annually and provides 12,500 full time job equivalents”.

Horse Racing Ireland has received significant budget increases from the Government in recent years, signalling confidence that the industry is primed for future growth. Investment in racecourses is particularly strong at the moment.

Ireland has built a very strong reputation for its equine industry and is often referred to as the land of the horse. We owe much of this reputation to the high standard of expertise and education that is available in Ireland.

Many graduates of Irish equine courses have gone on to hold positions at the top of their profession all over the world, progressing to the highest level as jockeys, trainers, stud managers, veterinary surgeons, bloodstock agents, auctioneers, media personalities and insurance brokers. A selection of equine-related courses offered in Ireland along with some useful information on each course can be accessed by clicking the link below.