Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

The VTOS scheme is offered on a full-time basis for applicants over the age of 21. VTOS provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. It gives participants opportunities to improve their general level of education, gain certification, develop their skills and prepare for employment, self-employment and further education and training. Applicants must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for at least 6 months before their chosen VTOS course begins.

Successful applicants can receive a VTOS payment for the duration of their course equivalent to their social welfare payment. They may be able to avail of additional supports including childcare support, meal and travel allowances. On some courses books and course materials may also be provided on loan for the duration of the academic year.

Further information can be obtained from https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/further-education-and-training/vocational-training-opportunities-scheme/

Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), provides part-time further education programmes for adults over the age of 16 years. As BTEI provides part-time options in learning it offers the chance to combine a return to education and training with family, work and other responsibilities.

BTEI courses can be provided free of charge to adults who have left full-time education and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Have less than upper second level education (Leaving Certificate)
Have a medical card or are the dependent of a medical card holder
Are in receipt of a social welfare payment (e.g. Jobseeker Allowance/ Benefit, One Parent Family
Payment, Cares Allowance, Disability Allowance, etc.)
Course fees may apply to applicants who do not meet these criteria.

Further information can be obtained from https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/further-education-and-training/back-to-education-initiative/

Enterprise Support

The Skills to Advance initiative, provided by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in Laois and Offaly. Working closely with local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME), LOETB’s Enterprise Engagement Officers strive to support employers in identifying specific skills needs, and to enable employers to invest in their workforce by providing worthwhile and valuable education and training programmes to staff at a heavily subsidised rate.
Education and training programmes may vary in duration and can take place during the day, evenings, or at weekends. The level and type of certification will depend on the employer’s specific needs. Class groups may be made up of employees from one employer only, or from a range of employers. This initiative fully funds courses that include IPASS and ATI.

Post Leaving Certificate (PLC)

PLC Programmes are full-time courses open to students who have just completed the Leaving Certificate, or any person wishing to return to Further Education. They offer a mixture of ‘hands-on‘ practical work, academic subjects and work experience, and are designed as a step towards skilled employment or progression to third level. Successful students may apply to third level programmes at Institutes or progression to third level. Successful students may apply to third level programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities through the Higher Education Links Scheme. Learners may be eligible to apply for the SUSI Grant or the Back to Education Allowance. All fees must be paid before commencement of the programme.