WATCH Young learners find their path through Leaving Cert Applied at Limerick Youth Service CTC

Young learners find their path through Leaving Cert Applied at Limerick Youth Service CTC. LCA learner, Ilani, says people thinking about taking part in the CTC LCA programme “won’t regret it”. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick.com

The Leaving Cert Applied programme is a “life-changing experience” for young learners at the Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre

Dedicated learners at the Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre (CTC) have been finding their path through the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA), with one student praising the “life-changing experience” they received as part of the programme.

The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two-year Leaving Certificate programme which prepares students for adult and working life. The programme helps students apply what they learn to the real world, and the programme consists of 4 half-year blocks called sessions, with achievements credited in each session.

Now approaching the end of their second year, one LCA learner at the Limerick Youth Service CTC, Ilani, reflects on their time with pride, saying, “I am coming to the end of my second year in the centre. LCA and LYS were a life-changing experience for me, they give those who didn’t suit mainstream schools a chance to get a Leaving Cert.

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The LCA programme is specially designed to offer young people a practical alternative to the traditional Leaving Certificate. Over the two-year period, learners like Ilani get the chance to gain experience in practical and academic modules, as well as build relationships with tutors and fellow learners. Ilani told I Love Limerick, “During the two years, you get to know the teachers, other learners, and our manager, Ka, very well through the four terms. We get the results bit by bit, based on our attendance, completion of key assignments, project work, and, of course, some final exams. One of my favourite things is knowing you don’t have to fully rely on exams at the end.”

Ilani’s journey, as well as others, through LCA opens many doors and avenues in the future, with many inspired to continue their studies. Ilani said, “ When I’m done, I can now progress onto further education to do a level five, then continue to university, or I could do an apprenticeship traineeship, or simply go straight into the working world.”

The overall experience for Ilani was enjoyable, with the young learner encouraging others to follow his path if they have had similar experiences in mainstream education. He said, “My time here at Limerick Youth Service, doing the LCA, has been very enjoyable. If you want to develop skills and gain qualifications, then why not come to Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre and join the LCA programme? You won’t regret it!”

The Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre is supported by the Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board and is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund. LYS is a leading provider of youth work, education, training and volunteering opportunities for young people.

As a member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Organisations, Limerick Youth Service remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them in reaching their full potential.

The Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre is located at Lower Glentworth Street and is a leading provider of further education and training for opportunities for young people.

Find out more and express your interest in the Catering Skills Course here

Pictures: Olena/ilovelimerick