Your complete guide to understanding career options, CAO applications, and pathways to higher education in Ireland.
Career guidance in Ireland helps students understand their interests and options for post-secondary education. Key decisions include CAO course selection, Leaving Certificate subject choices, and understanding pathways like university, PLC courses, and apprenticeships.
New to career planning? This short video ranks the top websites every Irish student should know before applying through the CAO.
Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students exploring career options
Supporting your child's educational and career decisions
Guidance counsellors and educators supporting student development
Career guidance is a process that helps individuals understand their interests, skills, and values in relation to education and work options. In Irish schools, guidance counsellors support students through:
Apply through the Central Applications Office for Level 6, 7, and 8 courses at Irish universities and colleges. Points are calculated from your Leaving Certificate results.
CAO Application GuideOne or two-year courses offering practical education and qualifications. Many provide progression routes to higher education. Apply directly to colleges.
Earn while you learn with structured training programmes combining on-the-job experience with classroom learning. Over 70 apprenticeship programmes available across various sectors.
Not sure where to start online? See our guide to the best career guidance websites in Ireland for a ranked comparison of the tools every Irish student should bookmark.
Take our AI-powered assessment to find CAO courses matched to your interests and aptitudes.
Start AssessmentLast updated: February 2026 • Content reviewed annually