VTOS
Full Time
VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) is a full-time education programme designed to support people returning to employment. Our courses are strategically aimed at supporting students to increase their opportunities to gain employment in their local community. Many of our past learners have gained part-time or full-time employment as a result of their participation on VTOS or gone on to complete additional courses at QQI Level 6 or third level colleges.
We aim to provide students with a positive learning environment, which welcomes all eligible students to participate in our programmes and by doing so reach their potential. Students returning to education for the first time are often pleasantly surprised at the supportive and helpful atmosphere here at our centre. All of our staff are very experienced, have a unique understanding of the needs and lives of adult learners, and work with students at their own pace to help them to achieve the best outcomes for them.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides adults with the opportunity to return to learning. It offers a variety of courses for people over 21 who are in receipt of Social Welfare. VTOS Athy places an emphasis on hands-on practical work as well as group and personal projects. All courses are validated by institutes which are recognised by employers and colleges.
What opportunities will VTOS offer me?
A chance to continue your education and training
A chance to develop new skills
A chance to gain certification at a range of levels
A chance to find good employment.
What will it cost me?
VTOS is free those who are 21 years of age or older and in receipt of a social welfare payment for 6 months or more. You may also qualify for VTOS if you are signing for credits or are a dependent of someone in receipt of a social welfare payment.
Supports available
Adult Career Guidance, and support for students wishing to progress to higher Education.
Supports for learners with disabilities, including learning disabilities.
A small meal and travel allowance is payable to eligible students.
Students are not asked to buy expensive books while on the course.
A laptop loan scheme is available to dis-advantaged learners.
Well-being support available to students who need it.
What does the programme involve?
VTOS course are full-time, Monday to Friday 9.15 to 4pm.
Contact: Una Burke, VTOS Co-ordinator, Further Education and Training Centre, Athy, Carlow Road, Athy, Co Kildare. Phone: 059 863 2044, Mobile: 087-978 7727.
Youthreach Programmes
Online Business and Digital Marketing QQI Level 5
Never has putting business online been more critical to our local economy, allowing local business to thrive and supporting our local employment. In this course, we aim to offer students the necessary skills to create a web presence, support website development, develop both marketing and digital marketing skills, as well as build enterprise skills.
Students who have completed business courses with VTOS Athy have gone on to work in local business, county councils, and progress to third level Business, Marketing and Law courses in Carlow IT, and Accounting Level 6 programmes in Portarlington.
On this course students will
Explore e-business, website development, marketing and digital marketing.
Analyse the main functional areas of a business to the extent that the learner can offer recommendations for change and improvements
Develop a good work ethic and allow the learner to develop creative, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Healthcare Assistant Course QQI Level 5
As Irelands aging population increases, the healthcare sector continues to grow and demands for suitably qualified staff increase. This course is for those who wish to enter the Community or Healthcare services, and work in a supportive role in different healthcare and community care settings. This course is also designed for those who wish to progress to Social Studies, and Community studies course at third level.
Programme Objectives
To enable the learner to explore the field of health and community care with a view to re-skilling/up-skilling and exploring concepts and subject areas that may interest the learner in future programmes or employment.
To facilitate the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision in a range of health and community care settings and or to progress to higher education and training.
Introduction to Art, Craft with Entrepreneurial Skills QQI Level 5
The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to identify, appreciate, and develop skills in the use of materials and techniques and to provide opportunities for creative expression through a variety of media.
Programme Objectives
To facilitate the learner to explore Art Studies with a view to re-skilling/up-skilling and exploring concepts and subject areas that may interest the learner in future programmes or employment
To enable the learner to develop drawing, painting, sculpture skills and other art skills.
To facilitate the learner to further develop their interpersonally, team working, problem-solving and time management skills, as appropriate.
Applied Social Studies QQI Level 5
This is a broad academic introduction to social studies and social care. As an access programme this course caters particularly to those who wish to progress to Higher Education or further professional training. Students completing this programme often go on to work as Healthcare Assistance working in the area of disability care with groups such as KARE, NUACARE and the Irish Wheelchair Association.
Programme Objectives
To enable the learner to explore the field of social, youth and community care with a view to re-skilling/up-skilling and exploring concepts and subject areas that may interest the learner in future programmes or employment.
To facilitate the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision in a range of social, youth and community care settings and or to progress to higher education and training.
Career Change Support VTOS
Considering a career change can be a daunting prospect, often it is difficult to know where to start. Our Career Change Support course provides you with a rewarding opportunity to broaden your skills and knowledge with the support of quality career guidance. But first, it is essential to ask ourselves, what are the basic skills required to thrive in today's economic environment? Flexibility, communication skills, personal and interpersonal skills, as well as excellent writing skills and are all critical skills. Also, all workplaces now require strong ICT skills and digital literacy. An entrepreneurial mind-set also gives both individuals and business the edge that is needed to complete the current challenging landscape. Our career change support course builds in many of these essential skills.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Build reliable computer and digital literacy skills for today's modern world.
Improve confidence and ability to allow you to progress on to further education and employment.
Develop interpersonal & team working skills.
Gain career planning skills and support.
Gain a nationally-recognised qualification.
Develop entrepreneurial skills to support business development and growth.
Security Guarding
On completion of this programme learners will have acquired a broad range of personal skills, attitude and related knowledge required to provide door security services, work place health and safety, customer service and basic computing skills
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Develop a strong working knowledge of the Irish security guarding industry.
Develop the skills and confidence work successfully as a security guard.
Be able to apply for a PSA license
Increase awareness of employer and employee health and safety rights and responsibilities.
Develop a strong customer focus, and customer service skills.
Build reliable computer and digital literacy skills for today's modern world.
Improve confidence and ability to allow you to progress on to further education and employment.
Develop interpersonal & team working skills.
Gain career planning skills and support.
Gain a nationally-recognised qualification.
Develop entrepreneurial skills to support business development and growth.
Contact
Una Burke, VTOS Co-ordinator, Further Education and Training Centre, Athy, Carlow Road, Athy, Co Kildare.
Phone: 059 863 2044, Mobile: 087-978 7727.
Testimonial
I started VTOS as a way to further my education and to get to meet new people. The centre was welcoming and staff were approachable at all times. All staff were very supportive to students By going to VTOs and doing the course I gained confidence in myself and am now working in a job that I love. VTOS was a great opportunity for me. Thank you.” Linda 2020
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