Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme (VTOS) / Fastrack to Information Technology (FIT)

voc_training Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme (VTOS)
vtos_logo VTOS aims to provide a relaxed and friendly environment to adult learners so that they can learn new skills with the help and guidance of our tutors and staff. VTOS offers learners the opportunity to return to education and prepare themselves for re-entry into the workplace. These courses are available to anyone over 21 and:

In receipt of Unemployment Benefit /Unemployment Allowance
In receipt of one parent family allowance
In receipt of disability/invalidity benefit
Signing for credits

…for more than 6 months. Dependent spouses are also eligible. There is no loss of payment or medical card while on a VTOS course.

Fastrack to Information Technology (FIT)
fit FIT courses aim to equip the student with the ict skills required to work in a modern business environment.
People who are in receipt of jobseekers or unemployment benefit for at least six months or in receipt of one parent family payments, invalidity pension or disability for 6 months can apply for FIT courses. Spouses of people who fulfill the above criteria can also apply for the FIT course.

VTOS Courses

Course 1: IT and Customer Care Pre-Fit Course

This course is suitable for beginners or those who are returning to the workforce. It is ideal as an introduction to the FIT Business Through Computer course. The course runs 5 mornings a week.

Course content includes: Information Technology Skills, Computer Applications, Communications, Personal Effectiveness, Customer Service and Introduction to Accounts.

Course 2: Start Your Own Business

The course is suitable for people who are thinking of self-employment and who need to improve their skills for developing and running a small business. The course runs from September – June 3 mornings a week.

Course content includes: Start your own Business (including business plans), Marketing, Customer Service, Financial Planning, Bookkeeping and Taxation, Computers, Personal Effectiveness and Communications.

If trading during the course, participants will need to discuss registering with Revenue with the course tutor. This course counts towards qualification for the Social Welfare Back to Work enterprise allowance.

FIT Course

Business through Computers

The Business Through Computers course is specifically tailored to ensure that a student develops a comprehensive understanding of the role of ICT in the business environment. The course offers the ECDL and a number of business orientated fetac level 5 modules. Subjects included on the course include ECDL Version 5 and FETAC Communications, Customer Service, Book-keeping Manual & Computerised, Word Processing, all at level 5. Conversational Spanish is also offered as a leisure option.

Developing the job seeking skills of each student is also an integral and important part of the course.
On completion the student will be a competent and proficient user of the key Microsoft Office applications. These acquired skills will mean that job opportunities will increase for the student.

VTOS Location
Shanganagh Park House, Rathsallagh Estate, Shankill, Co. Dublin.

FIT Location
Choices Adult Learning Centre, 2/3 Quinn’s Road, Shankill, Co. Dublin

VTOS Contact
Bernardine MacGowran
VTOS Co-ordinator
Telephone: 01 2720255
Email: shanvtos@eircom.net

FIT Contacts
Denise Ní Dhuibhir
FIT Co-ordinator
Telephone: 01 2820110
Email: denise.diver@edu.codubvec.ie

FIT & VTOS Support
Caroline Storey
Centre Co-ordinator, CHOICES Adult Learning Centre
Telephone: 01 2820110
Email: caroline.storey@edu.codubvec.ie

See Adult Education Guidance