Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

Under the VTOS programme the long term unemployed can participate in full-time training, without losing their benefits as it is not means tested. This in effect, means that people who are in receipt of jobseekers' payments prior to joining VTOS will be paid a training allowance equivalent to the maximum standard rate of Social Welfare.

The allowance will be paid for the duration of the course including all holiday periods. As it is not means-tested, VTOS participants may also take up part-time work without affecting their payments.

Places are available on this scheme for those receiving:

Jobseekers' Allowance/Benefit
One-Parent Family Payment
Disability Allowance
Illness Benefit (Exemption Required)
Invalidity Pension

In order to facilitate those in receipt of allowances for a longer period of time to return to education an extra training allowance of €31.80 per week is payable to those in receipt of any of the above benefits for at least one year prior to joining the VTOS programme.

Places are also available for:

Those signing for credits
Those for whom adult dependant allowances are payable

However, neither of these categories are eligible for the additional training allowance payment.

To participate on the VTOS scheme, all candidates must be in receipt of one of the above for a minimum of six months and be at least 21 years of age. Those completing a FÁS CE Scheme will also qualify for VTOS once they have re-established their claim at their Social Welfare Office. Travel and maintenance allowances apply and assistance with childcare is also available. There are no examination fees and books/materials are provided within the budgetary allocation of the programme.

There are a variety of subject areas to choose from including:

VTOS Clonmel -Leaving Certificate with FETAC modules at Level 4
VTOS Tipperary - Secretarial (VTOS payment for year 1 only of 2 year course)
VTOS Carrick - ECDL
VTOS Cahir - Explore Art Multi-Media at FETAC Level 5

VTOS Contact Details

VTOS Clonmel
South Tipperary VEC
Adult Education Office,
The Mall,
Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary.

Tel: (052) 612 6166
Fax: (052) 612 1030
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michael-corbett-vtos-clonmel

VTOS Co-ordinator: Mr. Michael Corbett

VTOS Carrick
Comeragh College,
Greenside,
Carrick-on-Suir,
Co. Tipperary.

Tel: (051) 640351
Fax: (051) 640720
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diane-hyde-vtos-carrick

Contact: Ms. Diane Hyde

VTOS Tipperary
St. Ailbe’s School,
Rosanna Road,
Tipperary Town.

Tel: (062) 51905
Fax: (062) 51378
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mary-ryan-vtos-tipperary

Contact: Ms. Mary Ryan

VTOS Killenaule
Scoil Ruain,
Killenaule,
Thurles,
Co. Tipperary.

Tel: (052) 915 6332
Fax: (052) 915 6332
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elaine-shine-vtos-killenaule

Contact: Ms. Elaine Shine

VTOS Cahir
Old Vocational School
PO Box 35,
Cahir Post Office,
Cahir,
Co. Tipperary.

Tel: (052) 744 2960
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tina-looby-vtos-cahir

Contact: Ms. Tina Looby