|  Under the VTOS programme the long-term unemployed can participate in full-time training, without losing their benefits. This in effect means that people who were in receipt of unemployment payments prior to going on VTOS will be paid a training allowance equivalent to the maximum standard rate of Unemployment Benefit. The allowance will be paid for the duration of the course-including all holiday periods. As it will not be means-tested, VTOS participants may also take up part-time work without affecting their payments. Places are available on this scheme for those receiving: - Unemployment Assistance/Unemployment Benefit
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Disability Allowance/Disability Benefit/Invalidity Pension
In order to make it attractive for the long-term unemployed to return to education an extra training allowance of €20 per week is payable to those in receipt of any of the above benefits for at least one year prior to joining the VTOS programme. Places are also available for - Those signing for credits
- Those for whom adult dependant allowances are payable
However, neither of these categories is eligible for the additional training allowance payment. - A person given statutory redundancy can apply straight away (no minimum 6 month rule applies).
To participate on the VTOS scheme all candidates must be in receipt of one of the above for a minimum of six months and be at least 21 years of age.Travel and meal allowances are also payable. Please note a person who receives a VTOS Training Allowance will not qualify for the ESF Maintenance Grant aswell. Exemptions to this rule are people in receipt of the One Parent Family Payment & the Disability Allowance. For full details please contact as below. There are a variety of subject areas to choose from including Information Technology, Childcare, Tourism, Art, Craft & Design, Sport & Recreation, Community Care & Nursing. Courses are certified by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) at Level 5 i.e. Post Leaving Certificate. It is also possible to offer Level 3 and Level 4 options for those who have been away from study for some time, subject to demand. There are currently 40 places availale on VTOS. Priority will be given to those with less than upper second level education on entry.
For further information contact: Adult Education Section,
County Monaghan VEC, Administration Centre,
Market Street, Monaghan.
Telephone: 047 - 30888 | 
