What is the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)?

What is VTOS?

VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) is a scheme that enables unemployed adults to return to learning at a range of different levels from foundation level, and Junior Certificate, through Leaving Certificate and FETAC/NCVA Levels 1 and 2. To date the majority of VTOS participants have received certification from the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA) which is now the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) of the National Qualifications Authority Ireland (NQAI).

The objective of VTOS is the provision of a range of learning opportunities designed to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. The scheme aims to provide them with vocational education and training opportunities which will enable them to progress to employment directly or via further education and training post VTOS. The scheme was launched on a national basis by the Department of Education and Science (DES) in 1989 to replace the Education Opportunities Scheme (EOS), first piloted in two Vocational Education Committee areas (City of Limerick and Co "'Dublin) in 1986. There are currently 5,000 places on the scheme and in 2000-2001 the scheme was fully subscribed.

VTOS is funded by the Department of Education and Science under the National Development Plan (2000-2006). Growing from 289 full-time participants in 1989, VTOS had expanded to 5000 full-time participants in 1994/95, and now stands at 5,300 in 2001. The programme is delivered locally by the 33 Vocational Education Committees (VECs) in adult education centres and in schools and colleges.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is a special range of courses designed to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people.

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.

You can apply to join if you are;

• Aged 21 or over
• Getting unemployment payments or signing for credits for at least six months
• Recipients of One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowances and dependant spouses who meet these criteria are also eligible.

VTOS offers students;

• 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

All courses are provided free of charge;

• If you are currently getting an unemployment 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 the normal way from the Department of social, Community and Family Affairs.
• You will get travel (for distance of over 3 miles) and meal allowances.
• You will be given books and materials free of charge.
• Childcare support is also available.