Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

Aims

To give unemployed people (in receipt of a social welfare payment) education and training opportunities
To prepare people to go to paid employment or to further opportunities leading to paid employment.

Applicants

Age 21 or over
At least 156 days on benefit
Eligible categories include:
- Job Seeking Allowance
- Blind Person Allowance
- Job Seeking Benefit
- Deserted Wife’s Allowance
- One Parent Family Payment
- Deserted Wife’s Benefit
- Disability Allowance
- Widow/er’s non-contributory pension
- Disability Benefit
- Widow/er’s contributory pension
- Invalidity Pension
- Prisoner’s wife’s Allowance
- Dependant Spouses
- Signing for Credits

Applying for VTOS

Attend open day for course information
Apply on line to BCFE and attend interview
Pay course deposit when offer of course place is received
Register with Course Coordinator on designated day during the first week in September
Register with VTOS Coordinator after registering with Course Coordinator

BCFE Course Fees

All successful applicants must pay a deposit of €40 to secure place on their course, the balance of the course fee must be paid on registration day in late August.

VTOS Students will have the fees refunded in late October.
BTEA Students will receive grant (€500) in early October.
Maintenance Grants will commence in October/November.

You cannot become a fully registered BCFE student until COURSE FEES are paid in full.

Registration

Takes place on enrolment day in early September
Completed Forms include SW, CDVEC Set-up, Registration, Travel, Childcare
A Bank A/C is required

Benefits

Retain full SW Benefits and all Secondary Benefits
Meal and Travel Allowances
Long term bonus* - €20 per week (312 Days+) *not all categories are eligible for bonus
Course fees will be refunded
Book loan scheme & basic course materials
Childcare crèche allowances (Limited)
Grant paid over summer holiday (Subject to conditions)
CAO fees paid
Part time work permitted (20 hours limit)
VTOS is paid for up to two years

Payments

Commences in mid October
Lodged in bank a/c on Thursday/Friday every week

Funding

VTOS is funded by the Department of Education and Science with the assistance of the European Union as part of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, and operated by the City of Dublin VEC.

Duration

Students are allowed two years on VTOS, if your course is longer than two years duration, you may transfer to the BTEA scheme to complete your course. (BTEA application to your local SW office)

Coordinator

Frank C Kenny - Ballyfermot College of Further Education (Sept – May)
Check VTOS Office times, when all queries, problems, advice and addition information can be dealt with.
Email: vtos@bcfe.net Tel: 6298517 Text: 087 2363139 (Sept – May)