Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

"As a single mother returning to school for the first time, VTOS has been a big help to me both by subsidising my creche expenses and covering my course and exam fees. I would encourage anyone in my situation to contact the VTOS Officer at the Cork College of Commerce."

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What is VTOS?

it is a Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, which is suitable for those adults who have been out of education and wish to return. You must fill out a College Application Form and a VTOS application form, including a passport size photograph on both forms.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 

You must be over 21 years and have been receiving benefits for at least 156 days. 

HOW DO I APPLY FOR VTOS? 

• Fill out College Course Application form
• Complete Part 1, 2 and 3 of the VTOS Application form (DO NOT complete Part 4 and DO NOT send the form to Social Welfare)
• Return the form to the VTOS Office in the College of Commerce.
• The closing date for VTOS 2009 applications is 7th September 2010. Any application received after this date will be regarded as a late application.

Please note: Places are limited and are prioritised on the basis of:

• Educational need
• Time on social welfare.

However, if you fail to get a VTOS place, you can apply for a Back to Education allowance.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFYING BENEFITS? 

• Unemployed on JA or JB
• One Parent Family Allowance 
• Prisoner’s Spouse
• An adult dependent on a person in receipt of unemployment assistance
• A person on Disability Allowance
• A person on Illness benefit (you must apply to the Exemption Section, Dept of Social, Community & Family Affairs, Store St., Dublin 1 for an exemption to attend the course)
   

WHAT BENEFITS WILL I OBTAIN? 

Full weekly Social Welfare payment and any secondary benefits you already have, such as: - Fuel Allowance - Rent Allowance - Mortgage Interest Supplements.
You may also qualify for the €31.80 weekly training allowance if you are on Social Welfare benefits for a year or more (does not apply to adult dependants).

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? 

• No course fees
• Meal allowance
• Travel allowance (if you are staying more than 3 miles from the College)

WHAT ABOUT CRÈCHE FACILITIES?

An allowance will be paid towards crèche places in a community day care centre. You must obtain the crèche place yourself.

WHAT TYPE OF COURSES CAN I ATTEND?

Any full time day course in the Cork College of Commerce
 

CAN I APPLY FOR A GRANT AS WELL?

No, since the 2010 budget, people in receipt of VTOS or Back To Education Allowance will not be eligible for student support grants but they will not have to pay the student service charge or college fees.

CAN I APPLY FOR RENT ALLOWANCE/MORTGAGE SUBSIDY?

Yes. Apply through the Southern Health Board, Georges Quay, Cork.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES

Ms Siobhán Lehane 
021 4223 806 (direct line) 021 4222 100 (switchboard)

E-mail: slehane@ccoc.ie