Your Questions Answered

Details of who qualifies (is eligible) for the VTOS Programe are available on our How to Apply page.

What are the English language requirements?

Applicants are expected to have a good command of the English language, both written and spoken. VTOS does however, offer advanced English classes.

What are the educational requirements?

There are none. While we offer a range of courses from basic to more advanced levels, we particularly welcome people who may not have had the opportunity to progress through secondary school.

What courses are available?

Ennis VTOS offers a choice of five courses. All students are encouraged to take a course in Computers - at least at basic level. Students are offered an opportunity to enter for certification in each subject. Work experience and Communications are also offered in all courses.

Most subjects are of one year's duration and students take different subjects of their choice each year.

How can I find out more about subjects?

Eligible applicants can attend a one-week Introductory Programme in April, when they will have the opportunity to meet staff and current students and get more information about all the subjects.
There will be assistance from our Adult Guidance Service who will help with subject choice.
Interviews will take place following the Introductory Programme and successful applicants will receive their timetable for the next academic year in June.

What about money matters?

If you are in receipt of a social welfare payment you will continue to receive that payment while on the course. If your payment is a reduced payment due to means testing, you will receive the equivalent of full standard Jobseeker's benefit while on VTOS. If you are claiming Jobseeker's benefit you will continue to receive the standard rate of benefit for an extra two years - no means test. An extra training allowance of €31.80 per week is payable to people who have been in receipt of a social welfare payment for more than 12 months when joining VTOS. A small travel allowance is payable to people who live more than three miles from the centre.
Students continue to receive allowances during the holidays.

What are the hours of attendance and holidays, and can you work part-time?

All classes take place Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. Your hours of attendance depend on your own choice of subjects, but students are expected to be available at all times during these hours.

Days off and holidays coincide as closely as possible with local primary school holidays.

You can work part-time during your time off without loss of benefit.

Is childcare available?

VTOS offers financial assistance for childcare. However, the childcare provider must be registered for income tax, and must not be directly related to the child/ren. (i.e. parent, brother or sister).

Other Benefits:

  • All books and equipment are provided (on loan) free of charge.
  • VTOS students are entitled to Student Travel cards which offer up to 40% reduction on public transport and a range of other discounts such as discounted entry to GAA matches etc.
  • VTOS students can avail of significant educational reductions on computer software for your home computer.

How long are the courses and when do they start?

Students can attend for one or two years, depending on their personal needs. The programme commences each year in late August or early September and runs until the end of June.

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Page last updated on
05-04-2010 at 16:31:42