Ms Clare Austick:

It comes down to the different information that is presented to students, so they are aware of the different pathways. Apprenticeships, PLC courses, going straight to the workforce or doing an internship are all alternative pathways to higher education that should be presented to students during their guidance counselling sessions whereas often at the moment they are seen as a default if a student does not get into his or her chosen third level course. It is about the narrative, attitude, mindset and culture we are trying to shape, by recognising that there are different pathways there. It is about investment but also the outreach programmes, that is, ensuring that students have access to information on all the different pathways available to them and that they are seen as equal to one another, that there is not a hierarchy between a PLC course and attending college, or going to an apprenticeship and then attending college. It is about presenting that information to students in a way that they realise they can avail of whatever suits them at that time. It comes down to the awareness and educational piece during the guidance counselling sessions, expanding upon the places available for apprenticeship programmes and making sure that whoever wants to attend the pathway of their choice has access to it.