VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme)
VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme)
Whitehall College of Further Education has for many years provided innovative programmes for mature students who wish to return to education. Previous educational attainment does not exclude anyone from the opportunity to join our programmes. Entry to all programmes is determined by interview. Mature students can participate in any of the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programmes that are offered by Whitehall College, or you may choose to participate in one of our specific VTOS programmes.
WHAT IS VTOS?
VTOS means 'vocational training opportunity scheme'. VTOS gives unemployed adults the opportunity of returning to full-time education without losing their social welfare payments.
HOW WILL IT BENEFIT ME?
- Prepare you to go to paid employment
- Prepare you for further education opportunities
- Provide you with an increased range of lifestyle options
- Skills acquisition
You will also:
- Receive a small lunch allowance and may be entitled to a travel allowance depending on the distance between your home and the college
- Receive books and materials free of charge
- There is limited financial support available for childcare for those using registered childminders
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Courses are provided free of charge (€50 booking deposit refundable at the end of the course)
WHAT PROGRAMMES CAN I DO?
You may apply for any of the PLC programmes that are offered by the college. However, our specific VTOS programmes include:
Office Skills for Adults
English Language for Overseas Students
English Language (Health Service Skills)
Art
ll programmes are subject to a minimum number of participants, however if this minimum number is not reached, you may be eligible for another of our programmes.
CAN I JOIN?
Yes, if you are over 21 years of age and in receipt of one of the following for a minimum of 156 days:
- Jobseekers Benefit
- Jobseekers Assistance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Invalidity Pension
- Disability Allowance
- Disability Benefit (subject to obtaining permission from section)
Dependant spouses and those signing for 'credits' who meet these criteria are also eligible to participate in the scheme, but will not receive an allowance. Periods spent on FAS or Community Employment Schemes can count towards the six months qualifying period, but the applicants must be getting one of the social welfare payments immediately before starting the programme.
NB: Places are limited and allocated on a first come basis.
For further information on Adult Education or VTOS in Whitehall College you can contact the VTOS co-ordinator, Joyce Trimble.
APPLICATION PROCESS
PLEASE APPLY ON-LINE
PAY YOUR €50 DEPOSIT (REFUNDABLE AT THE END OF THE COURSE)
ONCE YOU PAY YOUR DEPOSIT YOU WILL BE GIVEN A DATE AND TIME TO COLLECT VTOS APPLICATION FORMS
PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS BY THE GIVEN DEADLINE DATE
The application process is subject to the applicant meeting minimun course entry requirements.