Written answers
Tuesday, 20 October 2015
Department of Education and Skills
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme Eligibility
John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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629. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of a number of instances of ambiguity of information (details supplied) from Education and Training Boards and her Department's own website surrounding the eligibility of vocational training opportunities scheme courses; if she will ensure that the available information is clear and unambiguous throughout all areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36044/15]
Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a second chance education and training programme which provides courses of up to two years duration for unemployed people. The programme is funded by my Department through SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, and delivered and managed locally by Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
To be eligible for the scheme, you must be over 21 years of age, and at least six months (156 days) unemployed. Individuals in receipt of unemployment assistance may accumulate the 156 days qualifying period within a period of 52 weeks.
This information is available on my Department's website through the 'VTOS Handbook and Frequently Asked Questions' document. ETBs refer to this document in advising potential VTOS participants on eligibility criteria.
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