The increased popularity of apprenticeships and more people working abroad are being put forward as possible reasons for a drop in offers of course places in Clare.
Just 1,931 applications were made to the Central Applications Office in this county this year which was 8% below the 2,095 applications filled out here in 2023.
1,457 Clare applicants received a CAO Round One offer yesterday – indicating a decline of 11% from last year.
Teacher and Career Guidance Counsellor at Ennistymon Community School Mary Tyrrell believes people are considering different options now and don’t feel pressured into going towards third-level education.
You can listen to the full interview here: