Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) programme is for job seeking adults in receipt of a social welfare payment, dependent spouses or those signing for credits. 

Fees

Those attending VTOS maintain their DEASP payment with, meal/travel allowance also available subject to individual circumstances.

The VTOS programme’s mission is to help learners progress and achieve their goals in a supportive learning environment. 

Courses are focused on developing the skills and competencies required by employers.

Courses aim to:

  • Improve your general level of education.
  • Develop your skills and prepare for employment/self employment.
  • Prepare you for a new career or a change of career.
  • Provide you with recognised qualifications.
  • Allow you to progress to a range of FET or Higher Education courses.

Courses are located in Ballyshannon, Buncrana, Donegal Town, Gortahork, Letterkenny and Milford. 

  • Courses are full-time and take place between 9:30am-3:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:30am -1:00pm on Fridays.
  • Courses are run from September to May or June over 1-2 years.
  • Course holidays are the same as post-primary schools including mid-term, Christmas, Easter and Summer breaks.

The programme offers qualifications at National Framework of Qualifications Levels 4 and 5  along with industry recognised accreditation. The programme also offers the Leaving Certificate for Adults over a two year timeframe in our Letterkenny centre.

Student Stories

Read Behishta’s Adult Leaving Certificate story. 

Read Odhrán’s Digital Marketing for e-Business story. 

Read Leah’s Adult Leaving Certificate story. 

Read Owen’s Diploma for IT Users story. 

Read Helen’s E-Business with Digital Marketing story.

Read Karl’s Early Childhood Care and Education story.

Read Tara’s Essential Health Service Skills story.

Read Mary’s Business Administration story.

Read ​Donna and Colin‘s Adult Leaving Certificate stories.  

Read Mairead, Ciara and Christopher’s Adult Leaving Certificate stories.

More information on  the Leaving Certificate for Adults course is available here:

Contact Details

FET Centre Ballyshannon
VTOS Coordinator
Anita O’Rourke
Tel: 071 985 1276
Email: anitaorourke@donegaletb.ie

FET Centre Buncrana
Acting VTOS Coordinator
Danielle McGee                               
Tel: 074 93 62466
Email: daniellemcgee@donegaletb.ie

FET Centre Donegal Town (Drumcliff)
VTOS Coordinator   
Caroline Gillespie                               
Tel:  074 97 21705
Email: carolinegillespie@donegaletb.ie

FET Centre Letterkenny    
VTOS Coordinator 
Áine McLaughlin    
Tel: 074 9706047
Email: ainemclaughlin@donegaletb.ie

FET Centre Milford
VTOS Coordinator   
Charles Gorney                                         
Tel: 074 915 3194
Email: charlesgorney@donegaletb.ie

Please find more information on the range of courses on offer here: 

Did you know that you can start on a full-time VTOS course and still retain your unemployment benefit?

VTOS Programme Supports

The following supports are available while on our VTOS Courses

ELIGIBILITY

Adults in receipt of a social welfare payment are eligible for a VTOS course. Dependent spouses and those signing for credits are also eligible.

KEEP YOUR PAYMENTS

VTOS training allowance at a rate equivalent to your jobseeker’s payment.

WORK PART-TIME

You can work part-time while on VTOS, as long as it doesn’t affect your attendance or studies.

WORK FULL-TIME – SUMMER ONLY

You can also take up full-time work during the summer months and your VTOS payment is not affected. *Including other holidays.

CAREER GUIDANCE

The Career Guidance Service offers impartial and confidential information, advice and counselling on career options.

TRAVEL & MEAL ALLOWANCE

Travel allowance  is available if greater than 3 miles distance from the course centre.

FREE BOOKS

Free books and learning resources.

CHILDCARE

Information is available on childcare support in your area.