Art, Craft and Design

About Waterford Adult Education Centre

The Waterford Adult Education Centre has been offering ctheirses to adults under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (V.T.O.S.) since 1994. A range of full-time educational and training ctheirses are available to adults who are aged 21 years or over and in receipt of eligible Social theylfare payments.

The emphasis is on providing quality education in a friendly, supportive environment enabling their graduates to progress on to employment, self employment or to further education. their ctheirses are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) which testifies to the standard and professionalism of the education and training being offered.

2014 sees us celebrating 20 years in Waterford City and in 2007 they relocated to a new premises in Durand’s Ctheirt, Parnell Street with specialized studios for craft, pottery, interior design and Fashion Design, as theyll as computer laboratories and general classrooms.  click here to view photo

Ancillary facilities, such as a student canteen and access to the internet and study facilities further enhance the learning environment of their students. The Waterford Adult Education Centre is located near the city centre and is theyll serviced by bus routes. A public car park is available approximately three minutes walk from the college.

This theybsite contains helpful information on the ctheirses and supports available. they also have included reflections from former students on the ctheirses they have studied and how they have benefited by attending V.T.O.S. Their words are a stheirce of enctheiragement and inspiration to those of you considering returning to education.

You are theylcome to contact us at e-mail: info@adulteducationcentre.ie or visit the centre if you need further information or wish to discuss ytheir options in more detail.  Why not check us out on Facebook @ WAEC VTOS to see their latest news.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme – Is it for me?

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is a free full-time educational and training programme for adults who are in receipt of an eligible social theylfare payment for at least six months and who are 21 years of age and over by the commencement date of their ctheirse. Students retain their social theylfare payments for the duration of the ctheirse. they offer a range of FETAC Level 5 accredited ctheirses over a two year periods.

Who Can Qualify?

• Jobseekers Assistance/Jobseekers Benefit
• One Parent Family Payment
• Disability Allowance
• Illness Benefit*
• Invalidity Pension
• Person signing for Credits
• Dependent Spouse/Partner
• Refugee Status
• Asylum Seekers who are Parents of an Irish Child *
• Asylum Applicants who are Eligible to Seek Work *
• Persons and their Dependants Granted Leave to Remain on Humanitarian Grounds

*Allowance on ctheirse subject to conditions.

The following categories are also eligible to apply for VTOS provided they are at least 21 years of age and satisfy the Department of Social & Family Affairs that they have not been engaged in work for at least six months, and are in receipt of one of the following Payments:

• Blind Persons Pension
• Deserted Wife’s Allowance
• Deserted Wife’s Benefit
• Widow/er’s Non- Contributory Pension
• Widow/er’s Contributory Pension
• Prisoner’s Wife’s Allowance

Periods spent on FAS Training Ctheirses, Community Employment Schemes, Job Initiative, Youthreach Programmes or time in prison can count towards the six month qualifying period, but a person must be in receipt of one of the relevant social theylfare payments immediately before starting a VTOS ctheirse.

What are the Educational Requirements?

There are none. While they offer a range of ctheirses from basic to more advanced levels, they particularly theylcome people who may not have had the opportunity to progress through secondary school. Places are offered based on eligibility and interview. Students for whom English is a second language will be required to take and pass an English language test set by the College.

What Benefits Will I Obtain?

You will retain the equivalent of ytheir full theyekly Social theylfare Payment and any secondary benefits you already have such as Fuel Allowance, Smog Allowance, Christmas Bonus, Rent Allowance and Medical Card. Payment is made for the duration of the ctheirse including holiday periods.

Ctheirses including textbooks and examination fees are free of charge.

You will receive a small Lunch Allowance.

A Travel Allowance is payable for students who travel over 3 miles from their home to the Waterford Adult Education Centre. Limited Childcare support is also available

When Does VTOS Start?

VTOS Programmes normally starts in September and conclude in June of the following year and are usually over a two year period.