The NPC Podcast

🎙️ Episode 3 — Beyond College: Apprenticeships, Training & Direct Work Routes
University isn’t the only path. In this episode, we explore apprenticeships, traineeships, PLCs, and direct routes into work — what they look like today, how they’re changing, and how parents can support teens to choose the path that fits.
What’s inside Real stories from a software-development apprentice and a PLC learner who progressed to university.
National insight into the Further Education & Training (FET) landscape and modern apprenticeships.
Practical tips for parents: taking the pressure off, creating “breathing room,” and finding impartial guidance.
Guests Jack Yeates — Software Development apprentice.
Chelsea Lyons — PLC learner who progressed to Law & History at DCU.
Nessa (SOLAS) — National perspective on FET & apprenticeships.
Useful links National Parents Council (NPC)
SOLAS
NPC Linktree
Supports NPC Helpline: 01 887 4477 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm)
Leaving Cert Helpline (results week): 1800 265 165
If this helped, follow and share with a parent exploring life after the Leaving Cert.
#NPC #Apprenticeships #FET #PLC #Parents #LeavingCert
Poll: Which path would you like to learn more about?
Apprenticeships
PLCs
Traineeships
Going straight to work

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 – 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲
Transitioning from Leaving Cert exams to university life involves more than just CAO points. In this engaging and informative episode, we explore the challenges and solutions for families navigating this crucial phase.
Featured Guests:
Sarah Grimson, Associate Director: Admissions & Post Entry, Trinity College Dublin
Bríd Hannan, Educational Guidance Coordinator, Trinity Access Programme
Kim Lombard, Mental Health & Wellbeing Promotion, Schools Clinical Lead, Jigsaw
Alicia, First-Year University Student sharing her personal insights
Trina, Parent offering practical advice from a parent's perspective
Episode Highlights:
Demystifying the CAO process
Insights into admissions and access programmes at Trinity College Dublin
Practical wellbeing and stress management strategies from Jigsaw
Authentic experiences from students and parents on what to expect and how to cope
Useful Links:
National Parents Council: https://www.npc.ie
Trinity Access Programme: https://www.tcd.ie/trinityaccess/
Jigsaw Youth Mental Health: https://jigsaw.ie
🎧 Listen now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KNpFWDHrjyZ5JqxaI4G6l
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-npc-podcast/id1772055386
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad65671c-9106-469e-b374-2f37c3043328/the-npc-podcast
#NPC #LeavingCert #CAO #CollegeTransition #ParentSupport #MentalHealth

The Leaving Cert Journey – Stress & Wellbeing
📌 Focus:
Recognising pressure, spotting hidden stress, and simple supports for students and parents
👥 Guests:
Owen Houlihan – Guidance Counsellor & Leaving Cert Helpline volunteer
Dr Kim Lombard – Mental-Health Clinician, Jigsaw
Alisha – First-year student (sat LC 2024)
Tríona – Parent of a recent LC student (Donegal)
💡 Key Points:
Why the Leaving Cert is more than “just an exam” – existential pressure & identity worries
Hidden stress signals parents often miss (sleep, appetite, shoulder tension)
Sleep, nutrition & Pomodoro study hacks that actually work
Balancing praise: effort vs. points – shifting to an internal locus of control
Re-framing mocks panic and “points-chat” peer pressure
Practical routines—from box-breathing to tech wind-downs
CAO myths busted: Level 6/7 backdoors & dropping out without shame
Helpline inside view: top 3 questions in the first 24 hours of results
📞 Support Mentioned:
NPC Helpline (year-round): 01 887 4477
National Leaving Cert Helpline (results week only): 1800 265 165
Jigsaw parent webinars: https://jigsaw.ie/neart/
🔗 Useful Links:
NPC: https://www.npc.ie
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KNpFWDHrjyZ5JqxaI4G6l
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-npc-podcast/id1772055386
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad65671c-9106-469e-b374-2f37c3043328/the-npc-podcast
🎧 Listen now:
Stream on your favourite app, share with a mate, and hit
Follow
so you don’t miss the next instalment – “From Exams to Campus” (Episode 2).
📢 Hashtags:
#NPC #LeavingCert #StressSupport #Wellbeing #ParentingTeens

Understanding the Redevelopment of Senior Cycle Education: Insights from the NCCA



In this episode of the NPC Podcast
We’re joined by Arlene Forster, CEO of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

Arlene shares insights into the redevelopment of the Senior Cycle and how these changes aim to create a more inclusive, student-centred education system.

We explore:

The NCCA’s role in shaping Senior Cycle reforms.
The introduction of new subjects, including Climate Action & Sustainable Development and Drama, Film & Theatre Studies.
How updated assessment methods, including ongoing coursework, will impact students.
The importance of key competencies and flexibility in the curriculum.

This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and students who want to understand the future of post-primary education in Ireland.

🎧 Listen now on:

🎧 Spotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts
🎧 Amazon Music

💬 Join the conversation: Take part in our poll and share your thoughts on the most important aspect of the Senior Cycle reforms.

✨ #NPCPodcast | #SeniorCycleReform | #EducationMatters | #NCCA

NPC Podcast - ISSU Episode


In this episode of the NPC Podcast
We’re joined by Jack McGinn, President of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU).

Jack shares insights into how students feel about the Senior Cycle changes and what these reforms mean for their education and wellbeing.

We explore:

The ISSU’s views on the proposed Senior Cycle reforms.

The shift from single-terminal exams to ongoing assessment components.

The importance of breaking down barriers to ensure inclusivity for all students.

How the Senior Cycle can better prepare students for life after school, whether through college, apprenticeships, or the workforce.


This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how these reforms impact students directly and the role the ISSU plays in advocating for their voices.

🎧 Listen now on:

🎧 Spotify

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Amazon Music


💬 Join the conversation: Take part in our poll and share your thoughts on what you think is the most important factor in ensuring the success of the Senior Cycle reforms.

✨ #NPCPodcast | #StudentVoice | #SeniorCycleReform | #ISSU