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 VTOS course is aimed at those who are interested in returning to training or education but feel they need to improve their overall standard of general knowledge and study skills so they are "ready to return" to further training, education or on to employment.

This 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 course enables students to gain knowledge, competence and understanding of physical fitness and exercise on both a practical and a theoretical basis. The above one-year programme facilitates suitable adults in acquiring qualifications for employment opportunities in the area of sport and recreation or to progress to further or higher education. 

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 course offers the opportunities to achieve a career in the Catering industry. The College has developed strong working relationships with the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) which gives students the key skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the Hospitality Industry.

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.

The Healthcare 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 healthcare in residential and non-residential settings.

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.