The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is designed to help unemployed people return to education and training. To qualify for VTOS, you must meet specific criteria related to your age, employment status, and social welfare payment history.
Core Eligibility Criteria
Generally, individuals can apply for VTOS if they are over 21 years of age, are currently unemployed, and have been receiving certain social welfare payments for at least 6 months.
Detailed Qualification Requirements
To be eligible for the VTOS programme, applicants typically need to satisfy the following conditions:
- Age: You must be over 21 years of age.
- Unemployment Status: You must be unemployed.
- Social Welfare Payments: You must have been receiving specific social welfare payments for a minimum of 6 months.
Below is a table summarizing the key eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | Over 21 years old |
| Employment Status | Unemployed |
| Payment History | Receiving certain social welfare payments for 6+ months |
Types of Social Welfare Payments Accepted
The "certain social welfare payments" typically include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Jobseeker's Benefit
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Disability Allowance
- Illness Benefit (provided you have been receiving it for 6 months or more)
- Blind Pension
- Deserted Wife's Benefit/Allowance
- Farm Assist
- Qualified Adults of people receiving certain social welfare payments.
Furthermore, individuals who are signing for PRSI credits or those who have been made redundant and are receiving a social welfare payment may also be eligible to apply for VTOS.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information on the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, including specific course availability and application procedures, it is always advisable to consult official resources such as Citizens Information.
