Gap year after LC good idea or not ?

I have a 17 year old relative who has just completed the leaving cert, who just doesn't know what career path to take at the moment,but is planing to go to college in the future,talking about taking a gap year out to help him identify what he might like to study,another idea is to take a one year course during this time, he has a strong interest in music but is not sure on the career prospects in this area,Has taking a gap year helped you or anyone you know or is it a year wasted,What is the potential for a good career in music or media production,as he is only 17 i think time is on his side,any suggestions would help.

I think it is a fantastic idea to take time out after school especially so if you are not sure what you want to do. He could travel or just even get a few different part time jobs to test the waters with what he might like.
He could look at maybe getting some job experience in any area he thinks he might like - something like the kids do in transition year.

There are alot of people who are forced into going to college or go because it is what every one else is doing. He could be working and earning. There will be plenty of opportunity for him to return to college full time, or even if he finds an area that he likes he could stay with the job and do an evening course (usually have to be a mature student for these so over 23).

I don't think there's anything wrong as such with taking a year out but I would be very concerned that this person is breaking the cycle of formal education, i.e. they will get used to earning, or traveling or whatever and they won't then see the point of doing 3rd level.

Some of the best traveling and 'living' I did was when I was in college (doing a course I didn't necessarily want to do), and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Perhaps others here can confirm what is the best approach to take also, with regard to taking a gap year and lining up the CAO for afterwards. Best not to lose out on any entitlements in this respect.

All depends - is he a mature 17 year old?
Maybe he could do the music say DJ'ing and see if its something he could do long term or a college job. as someone who spent 2 years in the wrong course in college because i went head first into it a break could be worth it. If you think on the other hand that he would start working, earning and then think he has made it and is now "2 kool 4 skool" then maybe you could encourage him to do a one year / part time PLC while living at home. There is no crystal ball i am afraid!