Abbreviations Used

CAO: Central Applications Office

The CAO processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish higher education institutions

CFE: College of further education

Public or private college that offers further education courses, usually including one- or twoyear post-Leaving Certificate courses and shorter adult education courses

ETB: Education and Training Board

Statutory authorities with responsibility for education and training, youth work and a range of other statutory functions

FET: Further education and training

Umbrella term for non-post-primary, non-tertiary education options in Ireland, including apprenticeships, vocational training, and community and adult education

HE: Higher education Tertiary-level education

LDV: Leonardo da Vinci Mobility programme

Mobility strand of the European Commission Programme for Vocational Education, 2007–2013

NFQ: National Framework of Qualifications

A 10-level system of nationally agreed standards of knowledge, skill and competence that helps define what an individual is expected to know, understand and be able to do following successful completion of a process of learning

PLC: Post-Leaving Certificate course

A full-time non-post-primary, non-tertiary programme for learners, usually lasting one or two years and combining practical and classroom learning

QQI: Quality and Qualifications Ireland

An independent state agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland

VET: Vocational education and training

Umbrella term for formal training in job-related and technical skills