School of Adult Education (VTOS)

A range of part time QQI Level 4 courses in a variety of disciplines

Return to fulltime education/training  opportunities for unemployed adults. Participants must be over 21 years of age and in receipt of a social welfare payment for 6 months. Participation on VTOS programmes is free.

This course is aimed at individuals who wish to develop their employability skills after an absence from the workplace.  The programme covers aspects of general education. The course is targeted at people who have been absent from the workplace and would like to improve their self-confidence and general skills.

The Professional Cookery Level 5 programme is delivered under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme. VTOS provides general education and training opportunities for unemployed adults by enabling them to retain their social welfare entitlements while in fulltime study.

This one-year programme allows learners to acquire the skills and critical thinking to develop unique food products from concept to production. Learners will develop their culinary skills, along with key skills in nutrition, marketing and selling. 

The Childcare Level 5 programme is delivered under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme. VTOS provides general education and training opportunities for unemployed adults by enabling them to retain their social welfare entitlements while in fulltime study. The above one-year programme facilitates suitable adults in acquiring qualifications for employment opportunities in the area of childcare and as Classroom Assistants or Special Needs Assistants.

The Childcare Level 6 programme is delivered under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme. VTOS provides general education and training opportunities for unemployed adults by enabling them to retain their social welfare entitlements while in fulltime study. The above one-year programme facilitates suitable adults in acquiring qualifications for employment opportunities in the area of childcare and as Classroom Assistants or Special Needs Assistants

The Healthcare Level 5 programme is delivered under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme. VTOS provides general education and training opportunities for  unemployed adults by enabling them to retain their social welfare entitlements while in fulltime study. The above one-year programme facilitates suitable adults in acquiring qualifications for employment opportunities in the area of healthcare as healthcare assistants or in residential and non-residential settings.

This course is aimed at individuals who wish to develop their employability skills after an absence from the workplace. The programme covers aspects of self- care and care provision for clients and in the community. The course is targeted at people who are considering a career as healthcare assistants or work in clinics, pharmacies, health centres or gyms.

This programme offers female and male applicants the opportunity to learn about fitness, wellness and wellbeing in a supportive, non-competitive environment. It is designed to support people who are unemployment or have not yet secured employment.

This course gives the learner the key skills, knowledge and competencies to pursue careers in the beauty and wellness industry. In addition to QQI certification in Beauty Therapy, learners have the opportunity to gain an ITEC Beauty Specialist Diploma qualification and a certificate from NSI (Nail Systems International). Learners over the age of 18 also may avail of the opportunity to be selected for an Erasmus+ European mobility project.

The Healthcare Level 6 programme, delivered over one year, facilitates suitable adults in acquiring the necessary qualifications for employment in the area of healthcare in residential and non- residential settings.

Click here to gain insight into the experience of past students from a range of programmes within the School of Adult Education.

The Back to Education Initiative provides part time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other commitments. 

The Open Learning Centre was started in September 1994, with the objective of providing “quality flexible education to the Unemployed, Lone-parents, House-Parents, and Disables. In fact anyone who needs flexibility in their education”.

Study Skills Support for VTOS & BTE Students can help you with Essay Writing, Assignment Preparation , Structure & Layout, Research Skills, Spelling Grammar and Punctuation, Bibliography & Referencing, Study & Reading Techniques, Assistive Technology

Through developing links with local Community Groups we provide tuition and funding for a wide range of Adult / Community Education Courses within the community. 30 venues, 1000 participants!!

The centre caters for the several groups and provides the necessary training equipment, software and materials needed. More information on this page

The Back to Education Allowance Scheme allows eligible applicants to return to full time education on 2nd and 3rd level programmes. People qualify in different ways, depending on their age and personal situation.