Institute of Guidance Counsellors - Professional Development & Networking Opportunities
Don't miss these major events in 2026
March 2026
The IGC National Conference brings together guidance counselling professionals from across Ireland for a day of professional development, networking, and inspiration at the state-of-the-art TU Dublin Grangegorman campus.
2026
Ireland's largest higher education exhibition bringing together all Irish universities, institutes of technology, international colleges, and career guidance professionals.
Complete guide to professional development and career guidance events
New Year Planning & Professional Development
Week 2
New year planning sessions and branch committee meetings across all 16 IGC branches nationwide
Week 3
Online information session covering CAO 2026 changes, key dates, and application guidance for students
CAO Deadline & Career Planning
Week 1
Final deadline for CAO applications at normal closing date (5:15pm, 1st February)
Week 2-4
Continuing Professional Development workshops on mental health support, career guidance tools, and student wellbeing
Week 3
Guidance on supporting students applying to UK universities through UCAS system
Week 4
National symposium on supporting student mental health and wellbeing in schools
National Conference & University Open Days
MAR
TU Dublin Grangegorman - Professional development, keynotes, workshops, and networking
Various
Spring open days at Irish universities and institutes of technology nationwide
DARE/HEAR Support & Portfolio Preparation
Week 1-2
Branch-level counselling supervision sessions for professional development and peer support
Week 2
Guidance on supporting students with disability and socio-economic access route applications
Week 3
Supporting students preparing portfolios for art, design, and architecture courses
Week 4
Understanding new apprenticeship opportunities and supporting student applications
Career Fairs & Exam Support
Week 1-2
Branch-organized career fairs connecting students with education and industry partners across Ireland
Week 3
Supporting students through Leaving Certificate exam period with stress management techniques
Week 4
National information sessions for parents on supporting students through college applications
Ongoing
State examinations period - ongoing student support and guidance services
AGM & Post-Exam Guidance
Mid-June
Annual General Meeting and branch committee elections for the coming year
Late June
Supporting students with CAO change of mind facility and course selection strategies
Week 4
Guidance counsellors summer planning and preparation for new academic year
Ongoing
TY programme development and work experience coordination for the coming year
Results Season & CAO Offers
Early July
Further education and training options, PLC courses, and apprenticeship pathways
Mid-August
LC results day - schools open for student support and guidance appointments
Late August
First round CAO offers - guidance support for acceptance and next steps
Week 4
School reopening preparation and guidance programme planning
Higher Options & New School Year
Mid-Sept
RDS Dublin - Ireland's largest higher education exhibition and career fair
Mid-Sept
RDS Dublin - Major careers exhibition showcasing skills, trades, and career pathways
Week 3
Supporting students with Leaving Certificate subject selection and career planning
Week 4
Career aptitude testing and interest inventories for senior cycle students
Regional Fairs & University Events
Week 1
University of Limerick - Regional career exhibition for Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary schools
Week 2-3
Open days at universities and colleges nationwide for prospective students
Week 3
Guidance on studying abroad - Europe, UK, US, and global opportunities
Week 4
Best practices for organizing and managing student work experience placements
Autumn CPD & College Awareness
Week 1-2
Professional development workshops on current topics in guidance counselling
Week 2
National week promoting higher education access and opportunities for all students
Week 3
Guidance on gap years, volunteering, and alternative pathways after school
Week 4
Understanding current job market trends and emerging career opportunities in Ireland
Year-End Review & Planning
Week 1
Reminder for students to avail of reduced CAO application fee
Week 2
End-of-year evaluation and planning for next academic year's guidance activities
Week 3
Regional branch social events and year-end networking for members
Ongoing
Student support during mock examinations and preparation for Leaving Certificate
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