WHAT IS VTOS?
One of the most significant developments in
Education in Ireland has been the
development of the Vocational Training
Opportunities Scheme, an opportunity for
adults over 21 years of age to get back into
full-time education.
Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa
has played a major role in this development.
At present 130 adults under V.T.O.S. attend
the college. There are opportunities for
everyone. Over 40 V.T.O.S. students in
2003/2004 took up third level opportunities
in various Colleges throughout Ireland and
Britain.
All courses in the college are available under
the V.T.O.S. Scheme.
HOW TO QUALIFY
You can apply if you are on any of the
payments below for more than six months,
and over 21 years of age:
- getting an unemployment payment or
signing for “credits” for at least
six months
- getting a One-Parent Family Payment,
Disability Allowance or
Invalidity Pension.
- to spouse/ partners (for whom an
increase as a qualified adult is
payable) of people eligible to
join VTOS.
In some cases people on Disability Benefit
may be eligible for VTOS but they must first
contact the department of Social,
Community and Family Affairs.
Periods spent at FÁS or Community
Employment Schemes can count.
HOW MUCH IS the PAYMENT?
VTOS participants will receive the equivalent
of the maximum rate of their previous social
welfare payment, including increases for a
qualified adult and dependent children
where appropriate.
The allowance is not means-tested so that
earnings from part-time employment or
summer holiday work are not taken into
account. You may also qualify for an
allowance towards the cost of lunch and
travel expenses. Where students are on any
of the payments for more than one year,
they may also qualify for a €31.80 training
allowance. This allowance does not affect
any of the students other entitlements.
HOW TO APPLY
Contact the college for an application form.
Eligible students may avail of any of the
courses in the College subject to a suitability
interview.
The College also offers places under the
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). If you
would like to know more about these
schemes or be informed of new
developments in education for adults,
contact Karen McGrath.
|
