Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

VTOS – “Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme”, is a second chance education and training programme. It provides unemployed adults the opportunity of returning to full time education without losing their social welfare payments.
The programme consists of approximately thirty hours tuition per week. Subjects include English and Maths as well as a range of vocational subjects. You may also be able to gain certification in subjects at the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate levels and/or from FETAC, City and Guilds or other awarding body.
VTOS Students are also eligible to participate in PLC/ Further Education courses, subject to certain criteria.
Eligibility criteria includes: -
 
·         Aged 21 or over and
·         In receipt of employment assistance or unemployment benefit or signing for credits for at least six months or
·         In receipt of one parent family payment, disability benefit*, or invalidity pension, for at least six months or a dependant spouse for at least six months.
 
*Disability Benefits: Attendance on course subject to conditions. Contact County Dublin VEC for further information.
 
Benefits of VTOS
  • Retain same level of payment you are currently receiving from your social welfare payment
  • Bonus payment if in receipt of a social welfare payment for one year prior to enrolling on VTOS
  • Lunch Allowance
  • Travel Allowance (depending on distance from home to college)
  • Free books and materials
  • Limited childcare services
  • Learning new skills
  • Enhancing future career opportunities
  • Increasing your confidence and abilities
 
VTOS is offered in the following County Dublin V.E.C. Centres:
Collinstown Park Community College
College of Further Education Dundrum
Deansrath Community College
Dundrum College
Grange Community College
Greenhills College
Riversdale Community College
Stillorgan College of Further Education
Tallaght Adult Education Service - St. Dominic’s
Tallaght Adult Education Service
Choices Shankill VTOS
Shanganagh Park House
Blanchardstown Adult Education Centre
Fingal Adult Education Service - Balbriggan