Although the Leaving Certificate is a significant step in the life of a young person, it is important to keep perspective, according to Michael Moriarty, The General Secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland.

“Ultimately, the Leaving Certificate is but one of several significant steps on the young person’s journey through life. It is not a make-or-break event,” he added.

“More than anything else, young people need to get themselves into courses and careers that match their aptitudes and interests, because simply aiming for prestigious courses and careers can leave young people marooned when the job market changes, as is currently the case, or they discover that they cannot cope with work that is not congenial to them.”

As the class of 2013 are getting their results today Mr. Moriarty had some words of caution for young people: “Picking the winning career at 18 is a dangerous game, since, as the British educator Sir Christopher Ball notes, ‘we belong to the first generation that knows for certain that it doesn’t know what the future will be like’.”

He went on to say, “the class of 2013 must have two priorities: selecting education paths that allow them to build on their aptitudes and interests, and acquiring the capacity to go on learning for the whole of their lives. They also need to develop constructive interests and healthy lifestyles – as these are the key to happiness and fulfilment.”

TOP THREE TIPS

Pick a career that matches your aptitudes. What you like is what you will be good at.

Look at all options, i.e. Post Leaving Cert courses (PLCs) and apprenticeships can lead to immediate employment and can also be a stepping stone to third level.

Develop your generic, transferrable skills i.e. IT, communications, public speaking, critical thinking and self-motivation. You will need these for the many jobs you will have throughout your life.