Co Kildare young people who didn't get their first choice are given lots of hope says Career Guidance Counsellor

Thousands of students around Co Kildare are today receiving their Round 1 CAO offers.

A Co Kildare based Career Guidance Counsellor is urging students not to accept any offers unless they are sure as the financial costs of leaving a college course can be very high.

Speaking to KildareNow, Anne Egan of St Mary's College, Naas, is urging those now considering third level to research their course.

For those who are uncertain, she said: "Take a year out, do work experience, be sure about what you want to do. The financial implications of giving up on a course are high, as you will lose a free year of tuition."

This year the majority of students at St Mary's Naas are enjoying receiving their first choices.

According to Ms Egan, several girls are going on to study Engineering, Nursing, Primary School teaching and Finance.

For anyone who did not get adequate points for their chosen career, Ms Egan advises not to lose heart.

She advises that repeating is not always the best option as it is very difficult to get a significant increase in points.

However, for those who may not have got the necessary points for Nursing this year, she advises taking the Pre-Nursing Fetal Level 5, which when completed can be equivalent to 400 points in the Leaving Cert.

Also she advises that most degree courses can be followed on by a Post Graduate in teaching.

Additionally there is an apprenticeship option for Finance, Business and Accounting students, which involves getting a company to sponsor and pay for the course while working for the company.