

V.T.O.S. (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) in Kilkenny provides a wide range of courses for people over 21 and who are in receipt of Social Welfare.

V.T.O.S. Kilkenny – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)?
- What are the aims of the Scheme?
- What Opportunities will VTOS offer me?
- What are the eligibility criteria for a place on one of our courses?
- Payments while on a VTOS Course?
- What does the programme involve?
What is the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)?
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is a special range of courses designed to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people.
What are the aims of the Scheme?
The aims of the Scheme are:
- To raise education levels.
- To gain certification within the national framework of qualifications.
- To develop knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace.
- To progress to employment or to further education or training leading to employment.
What Opportunities will VTOS offer me?
- A chance to continue your education and training.
- A chance to develop new skills.
- A chance to gain certification at a range of levels.
- A chance to find good employment.
What are the eligibility criteria for a place on one of our courses?
You must be:
- over 21 years of age,
and in receipt of at least one of the following:-
- Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit (or signing for credits) for 6 months or more.
- One Parent Family Allowance for 6 months or more.
- Adult Dependant Allowance for 6 months or more.
- Disability Allowance for 6 months or more.
- Invalidity Pension.
Payments while on a VTOS Course?
- Courses are provided free of charge.
- A weekly lunch allowance is payable.
- A weekly travel allowance is payable if a participant has to travel over 3 miles.
- Participants in receipt of some of the above social welfare allowances for more than 12 months prior to starting a V.T.O.S. course may be entitled to an extra allowance per week.
What does the programme involve?
- Courses include a wide range of subjects and activities.
- Certification is available at a range of levels, including the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, QQI Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 Certificates, and City & Guilds Certificates.
- Courses last for up to two years.
















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