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What
is the Vocational Opportunites Scheme (VTOS)?
The
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is a speical range of courses
designed to meet the edcuation and training needs of unemployed
people.
What
are the aims of the Scheme?
The
aims of the Scheme are:
-
to
raise education levels
-
to
gaining certification within the national framework
of qualifications
-
to
developing knowledge and skills relevant to the
workplace
-
to
progress to employment or to further education or
training leading to employment.
Can
I join the Scheme?
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 dependent
spouses who meet these criteria are also eligible.
What
will it cost me?
-
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 Dept. 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?
-
30
hours' course attendance per week (e.g. 6 hours a day for 5
days). Courses last for up to two years.
-
Courses
include a wide range of subjects and activities.
-
Certification
is available at a range of levels, including the Junior
Certificate and Leaving Certificate, and the Foundation, Level 4 and Level
5 Certificates of FETAC.
-
A
number of part time options are also offered.
What
Opportunities will VTOS offer me?
-
A
chance to contine your education and training
-
A
chance to develp new skills
-
A
chance to gain certification at a range of levels
-
A
chance to find good employment.
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