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The Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) program, or vocational preparation and training program, has been in existence for over 20 years, having been introduced in 1985 with aid from the European Social Fund. The program has developed a dual role. The initial emphasis was to 'provide vocational training for young people to bridge the gap between school and work'. The PLC program has, over time, also developed as a route to further education. Courses are offered in both second-level schools and more specialised further education 'centres' providing predominantly PLC courses. This review of the PLC sector was based on institutional analysis (rather than student level experience and views), and was very limited in scope, only examining 15 colleges from those serving 150 or more students, excluding all second-level schools catering for PLC students. The report addresses some central and key issues surrounding the role of PLC courses in Irish education and training: To what extent have levels of participation in the PLC program changed over time? What is the profile of PLC participants in terms of gender, age, educational attainment and regional location? What is the impact of PLC participation on progression to further study? How do PLC leavers fare when they enter the labour market?