The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a second chance education and training programme which provides courses of up to two years duration for unemployed people. The scheme has proved to be a great success in opening up learning and progression opportunities for people who have been marginalised by unemployment. Trainees on VTOS can pursue subjects in the Junior or Leaving Certificate programmes or modules or awards certified by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) at Foundation Level, Level 1, Level 2 or 3. Participants may also acquire a portfolio of qualifications in line with their needs and interests.
Please note: Places are LIMITED on the VTOS programme and are prioritised on the basis of:
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| What are the aims of the scheme? |
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The aims of the scheme are:
| To give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability. |
| To prepare people to go to paid employment or to further opportunities leading to paid employment. |
| Can I join the scheme? |
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You can apply to join if you are:
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The following may also be eligible for VTOS:
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*People on Disability Benefit should, in the first instance, contact their local Social Welfare Office about exemption/entitlement to continuation of their Disability Benefit payment.
| What will it cost me? |
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Courses are provided free of charge:
| If you are currently getting an employment payment, you will instead get a training allowance equivalent to the maximum standard rate of Unemployment Benefit. If you are getting One-Parent Family Payment or Disability Allowances you will get a payment equivalent to the maximum rate of your current social welfare payment. You will continue to receive payment in a normal way from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. |
| You will get travel (for distances over 3 miles) and meal allowances. |
| You will be given books and materials free of charge. |
| Childcare support is also available. |
| What does the programme involve? |
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| 30 hours course attendance per week, (e.g. 6 hours a day for 5 days). Courses last up to two years. |
| Courses include a wide range of levels, including Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, and the Foundation, Level 1 and Level 2 QQI. |
| What opportunities will VTOS offer me? |
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| A chance to continue your education and training. |
| A chance to develop new skills. |
| A chance to gain certification at a range of levels. |
| A chance to find good employment. |
Contact Information
| Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa |
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| Ms Karen McGrath VTOS Co-ordinator, Tramore Road, Cork |
| Email: vtos@csn.ie Tel: 021-4961020 Fax: 021-4961320 |
| St. John’s Central College |
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| Ms Verona Noonan VTOS Co-ordinator, Sawmill Street, Cork |
| Email: vnoonan@stjohnscollege.ie Tel: 021-4276410 |
| Cork College of Commerce |
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| Ms Siobhan Lehane VTOS Co-ordinator, Morrisson’s Island, Cork |
| Email: sleahne@ccoc.ie Tel: 021-4223806 Fax: 021-4275075 |
| Terence MacSwiney Community College |
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| Mr Neil Creedon VTOS Co-ordinator, Knocknaheeny, Cork |
| Email: neil.creedon@tms.corketb.ie Tel: 021-4397740 Fax: 021-4301108 |
| Nagle Community College |
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| Mr John Murphy VTOS Co-ordinator, Mahon, Cork |
| Email: john.murphy@naglecc.corketb.ie Tel: 021-4358633 Fax: 021-4358767 |
| The Sutherland Centre |
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| Ms Maureen Murnane VTOS Co-ordinator, The Sutherland Centre, North Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork |
| Email: maureen.murnane@corketb.ie Tel: 028-40290 Fax: 028-22070 |
If you fail to get a place on the VTOS programme, you may apply for Back-to-Education-Allowance (BTEA) please note applications for BTEA must be made directly through your Social Welfare Office www.welfare.ie
VTOS is funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan, 2007-2013
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