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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the aims of the Scheme?
Answer: The aims of the Scheme are:

1. to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability
2. to prepare people to go to paid employment or to further opportunities leading to paid employment.

Question: Can I join the Scheme?
Answer: You can apply to join if you are:

• aged 21 or over
• getting unemployment payments or signing for credits for at least six months.

A limited number of places are available to recipients of the Lone Parents or Disability Allowances, and to dependent spouses of all categories of people eligible to join VTOS.

Question: What will it cost me?
Answer: Courses are provided free of charge:

• You will get a training allowance equal to your social welfare entitlement had you stayed on the Live Register (Lone Parents and people on Disability Allowances will continue to draw their payments in the normal way from the Department of Social Welfare).
• You will get travel (for distances over 3 miles) and meal allowances
• You will be given books and materials free of charge.

Question: What does the programme involve?
Answer: The programme involves:

• A timetabled weekly programme for up to 2 years.
• Courses include a wide range of subjects and activities.
• Certification is available at a range of levels, including the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, and the Foundation, Level 1 and Level 2 certificates of the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA).

Question: What opportunities will VTOS offer me?
Answer: VTOS will offer you:

• 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.

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