Educational Guidance Services

Guidance includes a range of activities designed to assist people to make appropriate learning choices. It can be very useful to meet with a guidance counsellor to talk through your options before making your mature student application. A guidance counsellor can help you to identify the wide range of opportunities which are open to you, and can help you to get a more holistic perspective on your decision to return to third-level education.

UL Careers Advisor for Mature Students
UL has a Careers Adviser who works specifically with mature students. Patsy Ryan works with UL's Cooperative Education and Careers Division and may be available, outside of academic term time, to meet with or advise any prospective mature student who is considering applying to UL. Patsy can be contacted at 061-234227 or patsy.ryan@ul.ie.

Adult Educational Guidance Initiative (AEGI)
The Adult Educational Guidance Initiative (AEGI) offers free, confidential career and educational guidance to adults returning to education. Now known as the Adult Education Guidance Service (AEGS), it provides impartial information, one-to-one counseling, and support with course applications and funding.

Locally, services are managed by the Limerick and Clare Education Training Board (LCETB). Support offered at these offices include:

• One-to-One Guidance: Personal counseling to help you identify your strengths, skills and interests.
• Impartial Information: Details on local, regional, and national training and education options.
• Practical Assistance: Help navigating course applications, qualification, recognition, and funding/grants.

Who Can Use It?

The service is open to everyone over 18, and those over 16 who are not currently in full-time education. While information is available to the general public, one-to-one counseling specifically prioritizes individuals who are unemployed or from targeted educational disadvantage groups.

How to Connect in Limerick

You can access this service through the College of FET - Adult Education Guidance Service:

• Website: Check local options and book an appointment via College of FET Guidance
• National Directory: Find additional local and regional branches on the Education and Training Boards Ireland
• Additional Contacts: Explore the network of nationwide support through the Adult Guidance Association