Searching for Courses

The following is a list of links within and outside Careersportal. You can search all courses from basic education right through to degree and post-graduate education levels.

It is important to understand that most qualifications available in Ireland fit into what is known as The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This framework divides all qualifications into ten levels. It can be useful to think of it as a ladder system; entry at the bottom is at Level 1 and Level 10 is at the top.

The range of Levels include different types of qualifications from Basic Education (Level 1-3) Certificates and Diplomas (Levels 4-7) Undergraduate Degrees (Levels 7-8) and Postgraduate Qualifications (Levels 9-10)

Completion of each level usually means you can progress to the next, so the framework helps you to improve access to education and training, thus improving your employment prospects.

Within Careersportal we have included JobZones (1-5) indicating the level of education, training and experience generally required for each job. To search for information on each Occupation and their jobzones associated with them click here.

If you are currently unemployed it is important to be aware of the many upskilling and employment initatives available to you. These initiatives aim to encourage engagement in employment opportunities.

We have included details of the Springboard initatives aimed at workers who have been made redundant, full details can be found on Springboardcourses.ie. Details of these schemes are provided on the left hand side of this page.

Solas (formerly FÁS) promotes job opportunities and training courses for school leavers, post graduates and professionals. It now has increased the range of training options available to Job Seekers to assist their re-entry into the labour market. (search below)

Post Leaving Certificate Courses (FET)

Further Education and Training (FET) is often referred to as PLC or Post Leaving Certificate which is a valuable qualification in its own right and can be the bridge or stepping stone between second and third level education.

Levels within the NFQ framework (explained above) include 5 and 6.

Within Careersportal you can easily search all FET courses in Ireland; click here.

CAO Courses

The higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland have delegated to Central Applications Office (CAO) the task of processing centrally applications to their first year undergraduate courses. CAO is required to deal with applications in an efficient and fair manner.

The participating institutions retain the function of making decisions on admissions.

Levels within the NFQ framework (explained above) include 6, 7 and 8.

Within Careersportal you can easily search all CAO Courses in Ireland; click here.

Alternatively, you can search the Central Applications Office (CAO) directly; click here.

Solas

FÁS has been dissolved and entirely new structures have been put in place, including SOLAS and the recently established Education & Training Boards (ETBs).

The Department of Social Protection has already taken over responsibility from FÁS for Community Employment and Employment Services. The new Intreo offices are now the first point of contact for jobseekers and are the gateway for unemployed learners seeking training support.

It has increased the range of training options available to Job Seekers to assist their re-entry into the labour market. Courses, such as Specific Skills Training and Traineeships which lead to major awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) will continue to be offered. Solas offers a number of short courses (typically 2 modules) as well as evening courses, Online Courses and Blended Learning Courses which lead to component certification and/or industry recognised certification.

Clients can view information on Training Programmes, search for a course or discuss training options with an Employment Services Officer by contacting their local Employment Services Office or Intreo office or Training Centre.

Other sectoral training includes; the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Safe Pass for those interested in construction and Screen Training Ireland for those seeking a career in the film industry.

The Local Training Initiative programme is a project-based training and work experience programme carried out in the local community run by local community groups. The programme allows local communities to carry out valuable and necessary projects of benefit to their communities, while at the same time training learners in areas related to the project work so that they can go on to gain employment or progress to further training.

To search these courses and training programmes click here.

Post-Graduate Study

Very often people undertake post-graduate courses to specialise in an area or to change their career.

Levels within the NFQ framework (explained above) include 9 and 10.

You can search for these through the Qualifax website or Postgradireland.com

Also, investigate individual college/university websites for detailed descriptions of the postgraduate course, application procedures and the closing dates for application.

It is a good idea to visit Graduate Careers Fairs, especially those aimed specifically at postgraduate study.

For more information on post-graduate study, click here.

Springboard Opportunities

The Springboard initiative is targeted at those who were previously working but lost their jobs or were made redundant and who, with some upskilling, could fill current or future job shortages.

Springboard, is managed by the Higher Education Authority, and allows those who undertake the courses to retain their benefits and if they find a job, they will still be permitted and encouraged to finish their course.

A total of 34 institutions in both the public and private sector offer programmes ranging from Certificates in Digital Marketing and in Supply Chain Management to Masters in Energy Management.

To view current Springboard courses click here.

Bluebrick website

BlueBrick.ie is website that allows learners to search, compare and to apply online for a range of programmes and modules available on a flexible basis within a range of higher education course providers in Ireland (HETAC). These refer to Levels 6-10 within the NFQ.

BlueBrick.ie provides a single location where flexible learning can be explored. The Springboard initiative above is accessed through the website. However, there are also a further 458 non-Springboard courses available.

ICT Skills Programmes:
Currently, there is a skills shortage within the ICT Sector. There are a number of free ICT skills programmes available, aimed at unemployed graduates through bluebrick if you wish to train in this sector. To view these click here.

To search all courses through Bluebrick click here

Education and Training Boards (Formerly VEC's)

A broad range of learning opportunities are available through local education and training boards to people who want to improve their skills and qualifications and to those seeking a second educational chance.

Over 200,000 adults each year participate in ETB adult and community education programmes. The ETB's run these further education and training programmes in schools and colleges, adult education centres of education, workplaces and in a variety of community settings.

To find your nearest education and training board click here.

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU)

The INOU works at local and national levels on issues affecting unemployed people. They support local groups through services such as training, information and analysis of Government policies.

To search their training programmes click here