Leaving Cert is not a final stop - TUI

By piofficer, Wednesday, 17th August 2016 | 0 comments

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today congratulated students on their Leaving Certificate results and advised them to look at furthering their education in those areas of interest that they are most passionate about.

In terms of options, the union highlighted the wide breadth of cutting-edge courses available in Further Education colleges around the country.

With many students taking a step today towards becoming teachers themselves, the union reiterated its commitment to securing equal pay for all teachers. 

Speaking today, TUI President Joanne Irwin said: ‘We congratulate all students on the determination and dedication they have shown in securing their results today.

However, they should keep things in perspective and be assured that these exams will not define their lives. If they did not attain the results that they hoped for, there will always be other opportunities to pursue their desired course.

We pay special tribute to mature students who may have returned to education to take the exams and we hope that they found the experience a rewarding and worthwhile one. Also, many students may only have acquired English recently and these also deserve particular credit.

Parents should be commended for the encouragement and support provided to children over the course of their studies. In many cases, this was at a time of increased stress and pressure in households due to economic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, teachers have demonstrated commitment and innovation on a daily basis in providing a first class public education service to students. Students should consider further study in areas that that they are passionate about and that they easily and naturally engage with rather than basing decisions on where employment prospects currently seem plentiful.

The Leaving Certificate is not a final stop. Those students who choose to enter the workforce now should keep in mind the possibility of a return to education at a later stage. They should remember that there is a direct correlation between future earnings and their level of academic attainment.’

Pay equality essential for protection of teaching profession

‘Many students will today take another step towards becoming teachers themselves. Pay equality for all teachers remains TUI’s key priority. It is essential that the profession remains attractive to graduates if education is to be a driver of economic recovery.’ 

Further Education/PLC courses – attain vital skills before further progression

‘In addition to third level options, students should consider the wide breadth of choices in Further Education/Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) colleges around the country which provide vital skills while also allowing students to progress to further education and training.’

Celebrate wisely

‘We encourage students to celebrate responsibly and to avoid any behaviour that might take from this occasion for themselves, their friends and families.’

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