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Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme 
County Roscommon

County Roscommon V.E.C. operates  three VTOS centres in County Roscommon, at Roscommon Town, Castlerea and Boyle.  
If you are 21 years or upwards and have been unemployed for at least 6 months, you may be eligible.

You get the maximum rate of your current social welfare payment and other allowances.  
You are free to have a part-time job or summer-work, without affecting your weekly payment.

Books and other materials are free of charge.  
Childcare support in the form of financial assistance or provision of crèche facilities is also available  
You will get travel (over 3 miles) and meal allowance .  I
f you are already entitled to additional benefits such as fuel allowances, Christmas bonus, you can keep them.

Your Questions Answered

What is VTOS?

It is the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.  This scheme enables adults to return to education and gain qualifications
 which help them secure employment in their chosen field.

What level of Education is required to join VTOS?

There are no formal educational requirements.  Many adults, for all kinds of reasons, would have left school early.  
Some would have no certification.  Some would have Intermediate/Junior Certificate.  
Others would have their Leaving Certificate.  All would have valuable experience gained in the University of Life!

Who teaches the VTOS students?

The tutors are employed by County Roscommon V.E.C.  They are all qualified in the subjects they teach and understand the
 worries which adults often have about returning to education.  They always encourage and support the student.  
Because adults bring such a variety and wealth of experience with them they always learn a lot from one another.

What Modules /awards are available in the Co. Roscommon VTOS centres?

*Adult Basic Education tutors are available if needed, this service is free and confidential.

Are the VTOS courses certified?

Yes.  Courses are certified by F.E.T.A.C., the Further Education & Training Awards Council, a body set up by the Government 
to provide nationally recognised qualifications in a range of subjects as an alternative to the Junior/Leaving Certificate route.

FETAC Foundation Leve3
FETAC Level 4 - Equivalent to the Junior/Intermediate Certificate
FETAC Level 5 - Equivalent to the Leaving Certificate or Higher

FETAC Level 5 is accepted for entry to Higher Education, continuing Education/Training or work, which requires 
Leaving Certificate standard.  It is a certification route increasingly chosen by adults who return to learn, 
and is promoted by the Department of Education, employers and further education institutes.

Where is my local VTOS centre and who do I contact?

Margaret McGauran, VTOS coordinator, Roscommon Town - 090 6627292

Donal Farrell, VTOS Coordinator, Boyle, Co. Roscommon - 079 9663246 or 086 8262825

Phil O'Brien, VTOS Coordinator, VTOS Coordinator, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon - 094 9620161 or 086 3421905 

Tom Costello, Adult Education Officer, Roscommon V.E.C. - Phone 090 6626151

Alternatively, click on the appropriate link to find out more about your nearest VTOS centre

FAQ

What are the entry requirements for VTOS?

Aged 21 or over and In receipt of unemployment assistance or unemployment benefit or signing 
for credits for at least 6 months 
or

In receipt of a one-parent family payment, disability benefit or invalidity pension, 
for at least 6 months or are a dependant spouse for at least 6 months 
or

Person whose spouse is in receipt of any of the above 

What will it cost me?

Courses are provided free of charge

You will retain all your Social Welfare payments

You will get travel (over 3 miles) and meal allowance

You will be given books and materials free of charge

Childcare support in the form of financial assistance of provision of crèche facilities if also available

What if I need help in a particular subject before or during my VTOS programme?

If needed, one to one support is available for certain subjects like foundation English/Communications and Mathematics.

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