Brexit effect and economic fortunes affect choices

T HE choices our school-leavers pick for future careers will inevitably be influenced by external events. Their dreams as small children of the type of job they would like when they grow up are tempered by the reality of the points race. Within that sphere, the direction of the economy and the jobs market at the time CAO forms are being filled out also have an impact.

Today’s CAO offers will see the latest batch of 50,000-odd Leaving Cert students go down a route towards hopefully fulfilling their potential.

The decline of the Celtic Tiger saw a fall-off in the number of students pursuing courses around the construction industry. Ironically, when the building sector picked up again, there was then a skills shortage. The education system took time to catch up with the cycle.

The growth in the technology sector has predictably resulted in greater demand for courses that afford opportunities in that area.

This year, business courses are standing out as the economy is on the rise. This is being viewed as vote of confidence in the future of the economy.

What is also being seen today is the Brexit effect, with the number of international students coming here growing – and fewer Irish students going to colleges in Britain due to the uncertainty.

Thankfully, the points race has slowed down dramatically for many of the record 52,374 students getting first-round offers from the CAO.

More of this year’s crop of Leaving Cert students are getting one of their top three choices than ever before.