Courses provided under the vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, are full-time and may be of up to two years' duration. These programmes are managed and delivered locally by the vocational education committees. The courses provided under the scheme focus on the development of employment-related skills, including technological and business skills, and include modules on socio-personal development.
The programme is provided by the vocational education committees and offers a range of vocational options, from foundation level to level 2 post-leaving certificate. Participants may also pursue subjects in the junior or leaving certificate or acquire a portfolio of qualifications in line with their needs and interests. They may follow programmes in discrete VTOS class groups or as individuals dispersed on a range of other programmes. The 10 per cent quota which limited participation of lone parents, those with disabilities and dependent spouses on VTOS has recently been removed.
Currently 5,000 VTOS places are available nationwide. The Green Paper, Adult Education in an Era of Lifelong Learning, proposes the introduction of part-time further education options on VTOS and other programmes.