MANY PLC colleges hold interviews in May, and many popular courses are filled before the Leaving Cert exams begin.

So if you are interested in a particular PLC course, you should contact the college now and find out about its application arrangements.

For instance, Rathmines Senior College, Dublin, holds interviews in May successful interviewees are offered places pending Leaving Cert results. As with all PLC courses, applicants must have passed the Leaving Cert or equivalent, but there is no points rating given to results so the interview is important.

College principal Mary Lonergan says the advantage of applying early to PLC colleges is that it gives students a measure of comfort going into the Leaving Cert. If you have already secured a place on a PLC course, it should relieve your mind of some worries about the future.

Some PLC colleges hold open days or information sessions, which can be useful for students trying to make up their minds about courses and careers. Crumlin College of Business and Technical Studies, Dublin, has organised a special information service from August 20th to September 12th this year. Staff will be available to answer telephone queries and deal with students on a walk in basis. This service has been inundated for the past few years, as students tend to panic if they haven't received a CAO offer.

There are about 18,000 students enrolled on PLC courses in the State. Most of these courses last one year, with students studying for a qualification from the National Council for Vocational Awards. However, some of the bigger colleges offer two, three and four year courses which may allow you to study for professional examinations, or British qualifications. In one college, it is even possible to study for a bachelor of technology degree.

The most exciting aspect of the PLC sector is the variety of courses on offer. New courses spring up each year, in areas such as multimedia, teleservices, computer games, outdoor pursuits and adventure skills. Courses are tailored to meet market demands, so there is usually a good record of employment for graduates enquire about this when you apply for a PLC.

While most PLCs are designed to prepare students directly for employment, some courses can also act as a stepping stone to traditional third level qualifications. Under a pilot "links" scheme, places have been reserved in the regional technical colleges and the Dublin Institute of Technology. These places, which are all on cert or diploma courses, are for holders of particular NCVA level 2 qualifications. So if you want to go on to third level, check that the PLC you choose is linked to a third level course.

The National Council for Vocational Awards has a useful list of linked courses. Your guidance counsellor should also be able to help you.

A number of PLC courses are "pre-training" in nature some will help you put together a portfolio for third level art and design courses, while others are designed to prepare you for apprenticeships or nursing.

All PLC courses are free, in that no tuition fees are charged however, there may be some charges for personal equipment that you can keep when you leave the college. There may also be charges for examinations set by professional bodies. PLC students are not eligible to apply for maintenance grants.

Some specialised courses are only available in the larger PLC colleges usually in Dublin and Cork so many students will have to pay for accommodation.

A vigorous campaign has been mounted by teachers' and students' unions and colleges to obtain maintenance grants for PLC students. Micheal Martin, Fianna Fail spokesman on education, has promised to extend grants to qualified PLC applicants pending the results of the general election.