Cavan Institute to host second open day today, Saturday

With the increasing number of applications for CAO college places this year, it is more important than ever to have the right qualifications at the right level, according to the Director of Cavan Institute Ann Marie Lacey.
She was speaking as Cavan Institute, the largest Institute of Further Education (FE) in the region, prepared to host its second Open Day today, Saturday, April 16.
“This year (2016) there was over 76,000 students of all ages applying via the CAO to attend third level colleges and the financial cost of education is an increasing factor in making decisions on course choices. Students should explore all options available,” advises Ms Lacey.
Cavan Institute has seen an increasing number of applicants applying for courses linked to the economic recovery such as engineering, construction and business-related courses.
The Institute accepts applications from Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied students but is increasingly receiving applications from those wishing to return to education who may not hold a Leaving Cert. “Increasingly the Institute is attracting applications from those who have lost their job and are now thinking of up-skilling,” says the director.
“For example, Stephen Hughes from Lavey, Co Cavan, previously worked in the building industry but during the economic downturn he decided to pursue an Accounting Technician course in Cavan Institute. After graduating, Stephen received a full-time contract with RP McEnroe and Co Accountants, Mountnugent, Co Cavan, and is now on his way to becoming a fully qualified accountant,” Ms Lacey tells us.
There are many examples of stories such as Stephen’s, she claims. Cavan Institute delivers over 75 recognised qualifications. All courses on offer this September will be showcased during the two Open Days this Friday from 10am to 4pm and from noon on Saturday until 4pm. A Further Education course at the Institute provides students with an internationally recognised qualification, practical skills and a route to degree courses at colleges and universities including NUI Maynooth, Athlone, Dundalk and Sligo Institutes of Technology.
Students attending Cavan Institute are also eligible to apply for the third level/ PLC maintenance grant. Other schemes may also provide financial assistance such as the Back to Education Allowance and VTOS. Further details regarding financial assistance can be obtained on-line at www.studentfinance.ie while a number of sports scholarships are also available.

Contact us
Further information may be obtained from Cavan Institute at 049-4332633 or www.cavaninstitute.ie