VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme)
The course, books and materials are free, and you keep your welfare payment or get a VTOS training allowance at the maximum rate of your jobseeker's payment, plus meal and travel allowances and childcare support under the National Childcare Scheme, depending on your circumstances.
Last checked September 2026
What it is
A second chance education and training programme for unemployed adults, run by your local Education and Training Board. You need to be aged 21 or over, unemployed for at least six months (156 days) and getting certain social welfare payments, such as Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, or be the dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of someone who qualifies. Courses are free and full-time, about 30 hours a week for up to two years, and range from basic education and the Junior or Leaving Certificate up to Level 3 to 6 awards, with free books and materials, and meal and travel allowances and childcare support under the National Childcare Scheme available depending on your circumstances. You either keep your welfare payment or move to a VTOS training allowance at the maximum rate of your jobseeker's payment, which is not taxable and in general is not reassessed if your means change. It is aimed in particular at people who left school early and want a route back to work, self-employment or further study.
Who can get it
- You are aged 21 or over and have been unemployed for at least six months (156 days)
- You are getting a qualifying payment such as Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension, or you are the dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of someone who is
- You can attend full-time, about 30 hours a week, for up to two years
- The VTOS training allowance is paid at the maximum rate of the jobseeker's payment, is not taxable, and in general is not reassessed if your circumstances or means change.
- Time on FET training courses, Community Employment, Youthreach and time in prison can count towards the six months, and someone who got statutory redundancy without being on a qualifying payment for the full period can also qualify.
- People on PLC courses who get a VTOS allowance are not eligible for student support grants, though any exemption from college fees or the student contribution is not affected.
How to apply
Applications go through ETBs. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 9 September 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
Who qualifies for VTOS?
People aged 21 or over who have been unemployed and getting certain social welfare payments for at least six months (156 days). You apply through your local Education and Training Board.
Do I lose my payment if I do a VTOS course?
No. You either keep your social welfare payment or move to a VTOS training allowance at the maximum rate of your jobseeker's payment, and the allowance is not taxable.
How long is a VTOS course?
Courses are full-time at about 30 hours a week and can last up to two years, from basic education up to Level 6 awards.
Related guides
- Bursary for Young People with Care Experience
- SUSI Student Grant
- DARE (Disability Access Route to Education)
- Part-Time Fee Scheme (SUSI, part-time undergraduate courses)
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