The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, which is run by the Department of Education and Skills, is operated through the Educational and Training Boards (ETBs). VTOS is aimed in particular at unemployed people who are early school leavers and to prepare them to gain employment or engage in further educational opportunities.
In general, VTOS participants who move from a jobseekers scheme receive a VTOS payment paid at the same rate as their jobseekers payment. Jobseekers is generally payable on a Tuesday or Wednesday and on transferring to VTOS, will be paid on the following Friday week.
Any one experiencing financial hardship as a result of the change in these payment arrangements are advised to contact their local Community Welfare Service. If the Deputy has a particular case, he should provide the individual's details to my Department so that we ensure that the appropriate payments are in place.