Vocational Training Opportunites Scheme

VTOS is a programme that gives unemployed adults the opportunity to return to full time education without losing their benefits.

VTOS applicants must be:

· Aged 21 or over

· Unemployed for at least 6 months

· In receipt of Social Welfare benefit or credits for at least 6 months

· In receipt of One Parent Family Allowance

· In receipt of Disability Allowance

· In receipt of Disability Benefit

Facts you should know

Take up the VTOS challenge and immediately the benefits are:

· Getting back to education

· Payments equal to your Social Welfare benefits plus €31.80 allowance if more than 312 days on Job Seekers’ Assistance, Job Seekers’ Benefit, Disability Benefit Allowance or one Parent Family Allowance.

· Meal and Travel allowance

· Book loan system and free materials

· You may be eligible for a crèche allowance

After VTOS, your long term bonuses can be:

· Being part of the mainstream marketplace

· An increased range of lifestyle options

· Perhaps further education

· Skill acquisition

What does the programme involve?

· Approximately thirty hours a week

· It is possible to get certification in subjects for the Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, City and Guilds, FETAC, or other suitable qualifications.

What kind of courses are on offer?

· FIT (Fast-track Into Technology)

· Foundation Courses

· Post Leaving Certificate Courses

· Repeat Leaving Certificate Course (1 Year)

· Two-Year Leaving Certificate Courses

There are also a range of specific skills courses available in a wide range of subject areas e.g. Business, Computers, Languages, Art and Design etc.

Still Interested?

If you want further information just contact your local VTOS Co-ordinator (see list) or CDVEC Head Office at (01) 6680614 or visit www.cdvec.ie