Working for Work : Chapter 6 : Training & Education

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

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VTOS is a second chance education initiative designed specifically for the unemployed. It is funded by the Department of Educaton and Skills and operated by VECs. There are 5,000 places available on VTOS. To be eligible to participate on VTOS you must be:

  • Aged 21 or over and
  • In receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit/Allowance, Illness Benefit (subject to approval of the Department of Social Protection), One Parent Family Payment, Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance for 6 months
  • Signing for PRSI 'Credits' for at least 6 months
  • The spouse/civil partner/cohabitant of somebody claiming one of these payments for 6 months
  • In receipt of Carer's Allowance and have ceased caring responsibilities
  • Time spent on a FÁS training course or CE scheme can count towards the six-month qualifying period. Periods spent on Job Initiative, Youthreach programmes or time spent in prison can count towards this six-month qualifying period, but a person must be getting one of the relevant Social Welfare payments before starting the programme
  • People in receipt of the following categories of payments are also eligible to join VTOS provided they are at least 21 years of age and have not been engaged in paid work for at least six months: One Parent Family Payment, Blind Person's Pension; Deserted Wife's Allowance / Benefit; Widow/Widower's Contributory/Non-Contributory Pension; Prisoner's Wife's Allowance

Payment on VTOS

  • There are no course fees
  • You will be paid a standard rate each week - equal to the maximum rate of Jobseeker's Benefit, which is €188 for a single person in place of JA/JB. People in receipt of other categories of payment will continue to receive payment from the Department of Social Protection
  • You will not receive a payment if you are signing on for PRSI 'credits' only.
  • If you work part-time or casually during your studies, this will not affect your payment
  • If on JA/JB you will no longer have to "sign-on"
  • Travel and meal allowances are paid at FÁS rates
  • An additional allowance of €20 is payable if you have been in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment for at least one year directly before participating in VTOS
  • Some assistance with book and course materials may be provided

If you receive a rent/mortgage interest supplement and take up part-time work while on VTOS, Rent Supplement Assessment rules will apply, i.e. disregard the first €75 of income from employment and 25% of any income over €75 is counted against your rent/mortgage interest supplement - See Chapter 2 for details.

 

i If you receive the additional allowance of €20.00 on VTOS (see box above) and take up part-time work, the rent/mortgage interest supplement earnings disregard of €75.00 will be reduced from €75.00 to €50.00

Childcare

People on VTOS, Youthreach and Senior Travelling Training Programmes may be able to access free childcare under the Childcare Education and Training Scheme (CETS) provided by the new Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Contact your local VEC or Childcare Committee for more information.

Studying on VTOS

Programmes offered under VTOS are education-led, vocationally-oriented and progression-focussed. The programmes give participants the opportunity of:

  • raising their education levels
  • gaining certification with the National Framework of Qualifications
  • developing knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace and
  • progressing to employment or to further education or training leading to employment.

The range of learning opportunities provided by VTOS centres include:

  • Junior Certificate
  • Leaving Certificate and
  • Courses leading to FETAC and equivalent awards at Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

A variety of subject areas is offered at Junior and Leaving Certificate levels. Vocational designations covered in the FETAC awards are chosen from a wide range of designations, including new technologies, commerce, media, engineering, administration, theatre, arts craft and design.

How to apply

Contact your nearest VEC, AEGI, local LES or your local library

VTOS courses usually begin in September/October, but it may be possible to start at other times

Each VEC has a VTOS Co-ordinator who can assist you with information and advice on suitable courses

Last Updated: 01/09/2011 ^ back to top