The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is an educational opportunities scheme for unemployed persons which is funded by the Department of Education and Science. The scheme provides a special range of courses designed to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people across Waterford and Wexford.
The aims of the scheme are:
- to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability
- to give participants the opportunity to gain recognised national certification
- to prepare people to go into paid employment or on to further opportunities leading to paid employment
VTOS Courses
WWETB operate special VTOS courses which are particularly suitable for persons who have been out of school for some time. The courses are full-time, approximately 30 hours per week (e.g. 6 hours a day for 5 days) and last for up to 2 years. Course holidays are the same as post-primary schools including mid-term, Christmas, Easter and Summer breaks.
Certification is available at a range of levels, including Leaving Certificate, and QQI levels 3 – 6 with courses lasting up to two years.
There are no course fees.
Further detailed information about entitlement and qualifications for VTOS courses can be obtained from the Department of Social Protection website. Click here to find out more.
ELIGIBILITY
Social welfare recipients aged 21 and over are eligible to join a VTOS course. Dependent spouses and those signing for credits are also eligible.
KEEP YOUR PAYMENTS
VTOS training allowance is the same rate as your jobseeker’s payment.
WORK PART-TIME
You can work part-time while on VTOS, as long as it doesn’t affect your attendance or studies.
WORK FULL-TIME
You can also take up full-time work during the summer months and your VTOS payment is not affected. *Including other holidays.
CAREER GUIDANCE
The career guidance service offers impartial and confidential information, advice and counselling on career options.
TRAVEL & MEAL ALLOWANCE
Travel allowance is available if you live further than 3 miles distance from the course centre.
FREE BOOKS
Free books and learning resources.
CHILDCARE
Information is available on childcare support in your area.
Locations
Enniscorthy Further Education and Training Centre
Co-ordinator: Dr. Aislinn Brennan
Phone: 053 923 7224
Email: enniscorthyvtos@wwetb.ie
Gorey Further Education and Training Centre
Co-ordinator: Noreen Traynor
Phone: 053 942 1791
Email: goreyfet@wwetb.ie
Kilmacthomas Further Education and Training Centre
Co-ordinator: Patricia Daly
Phone: 051 294 680
Email: patriciadaly@wwetb.ie
New Ross Further Education and Training Centre
Co-ordinator: Miranda Ó Bolguidhir
Phone: 051 425034
Email: newrossvtos@wwetb.ie
Wexford College of Further Education and Training
Co-ordinator: Peter Hayden
Phone: 053 911 5110
Email: wexfordvtos@wwetb.ie