Wexford VTOS 21.22

Wexford VTOS

Where Life and Learning Connect

Wexford VTOS Wexford Adult Education Centre Westgate, Wexford, Y35 H392 053 916188 086 8533659 wexfordvtos@wwetb.ie Coordinator Peter Hayden peterhayden@wwetb.ie

Wexford VTOS - 2020- 2021 Courses

Message From Our Chief Executive Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB)/ Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna Phort Láirge agus Loch Garman is the statutory body which has responsibility for education, training and youth service provision in counties Waterford and Wexford supporting a population of over 260,000 people. Through the implementation of our Strategic Plan 2018 – 2022, exciting projects that have commenced include:

• Upgrading of our facilities including Coláiste Abbáin, Adamstown, Creagh College, Gorey, St Declan’s Community College, Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan College – Coláiste Dhún Garbhán.

• Our first Community National School in Kilnamanagh, Wexford, the first primary school of its kind in Wexford or Waterford.

• Our NZEB Centre in Enniscorthy, delivering best in class certified Nearly Zero Energy Building training to construction trades across the sector.

• Delivery of Music Performance Education to children and young people in Waterford and Wexford in partnership with the local authorities and Music Generation.

• Partnering with the GAA on an innovative wellbeing programme aimed at 2nd level schools, Youthreach and Local Training Initiatives.

I look forward to the development of these and other exciting projects as we continue to deliver on our Strategic Plan.

Kevin Lewis

Welcome From Our Coordinator Firstly, I would like to thank you for taking the time to look through our prospectus for the 21/22 academic year. While there is light at the end of the tunnel, we are still living in challenging times.

As we yearn for a return to ‘the good old times’, we must recognise the Covid pandemic has changed the future world of work forever. That is why Wexford VTOS has designed a portfolio of programmes we believe is suited to every learner, from those who want to upskill or change career to those who simply want to learn more about a lifelong passion.

Our Centre is characterised by our community spirit. Our small classes and student-centred approach mean that you will get as much support as you need to guide you on your path to attaining your educational goals. Our enthusiastic and empathetic staff understand that every learner who walks through the door has had different experiences and abilities and we strive to work with our learners to develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in their chosen lifestyle.

If you are looking at this prospectus, you are considering making changes in your life.

Congratulations - you are now taking the first step in making that change. If you have any questions or wish to apply, please do not hesitate to contact us. Should you wish to apply for any of our programmes you can contact us directly or use the camera on your smartphone to take a picture of the QR code and it will take you directly to an online application. We, at Wexford VTOS look forward to helping you take the next step on your pathway to learning.

Is Mise Le Meas Peter Hayden

About VTOS VTOS is a programme designed to help the long-term unemployed return to full-time education, without losing their social welfare benefits. VTOS will help the participants make the transition back into paid employment or back into further education, eventually leading to paid employment.

The VTOS scheme provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. It gives participants opportunities to improve their general level of education, gain certification, develop their skills and prepare for employment, self-employment and further education and training.

Wexford VTOS is part of the well-established Adult Education Centre in Wexford town, run by Waterford and Wexford ETB. The Wexford Adult Education Centre is located in Westgate (the old ‘tech’). It has been running successfully for 30 years and during that time hundreds of people have returned to education here.

Apart from offering top class qualifications, the centre is a great place to meet like-minded adults and new students quickly become part of the group. Whether you are recently unemployed and want to reskill or you have been out of the workforce for a while and are seeking structure and a meaningful occupation, there is something to suit you here.

All courses are free of charge and you will retain your social welfare entitlements while on our VTOS programme. To be eligible you must be over 21 and in receipt of a Social Welfare payment.

Eligibility Criteria If you are over 21 years of age, are unemployed and/or have been getting certain social welfare payments for at least 6 months, you can apply for the Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme (VTOS). This scheme provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. It gives participants the opportunity to improve their general level of education, gain certification, develop their skills and prepare for employment, self-employment and further education and training.

Social Welfare Payments may include the following: • Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance or signing for credits for at least 6 months (156 days) • One-Parent Family Payment • Disability Allowance

• Illness Benefit* or Invalidity Pension for at least 6 months (156 days) • Blind Pension,

• Deserted Wife’s Allowance/Benefit,

• Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory/Non-contributory Pension

• Prisoner’s Wife’s Allowance for at least 6 months (conditions may apply in the case of these payments) • A dependent spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of an eligible person

• A person who received statutory redundancy but who has not been in receipt of a qualifying payment for the required period.

Periods spent on FET training courses, Community Employment Schemes, Job Initiative, Youthreach programmes and time in prison can count towards the qualifying period. * If you are claiming Illness Benefit, you should contact your local social welfare office about exemption/ entitlement to continuation of your Illness Benefit payment.

National Framework of Qualifications Many people who have been out of education for some time can be wary of the terminology around the programmes on offer. The National Framework of Qualifications sets out the standards to be met by each learner at a national level to ensure the fair and consistent assessment of learners.

The framework provides a pathway on which learners can progress to achieve a qualification in their chosen area.

The framework pictured below will show you the levels, The Yellow Arc indicates awards that can be obtained through primary and second level education. The Green Arc indicates Awards that can be obtained through FET institutions such as Wexford VTOS. The Pink Arc indicates progression into Higher Education Institutes. Where you begin their journey is unique to your previous education levels and related work experience. Where you end your journey is up to you.

*Modules are subject to change. Alternative offers may be made in the event of a programme not running.

Office Skills CERTIFICATION QQI Level 4 Office Skills

Course Overview This course covers the basics of Office Skills and ensures the learner is comfortable using computers and has good IT Skills. This programme provides a fantastic stepping stone to further study within the extensive portfolio of programmes within Wexford VTOS.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Communications

Do you lack confidence in your technical/ academic/computer skills? Have you been out of education for an extended period?

This programme may be for you!

• Business English

• General Office Skills • Mathematics • I.T. Skills

• Customer Service • Reception Skills

• Work Experience • Teamworking

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Graduates of this programme will have attained the required academic, I.T., and soft skills to progress to any of our Level 5 offerings. Those who wish to do so will have gained the skills and competencies to Progress directly into the world of work.

Learning through English as a Second Language CERTIFICATION QQI Level 4 General Learning

Course Overview This programme embraces the diversification of Irish society. The focus in this programme is for learners to gain a recognised qualification in a supportive environment where English language development is a primary aim.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Communications & Business English

Do you feel you need to improve your English language skills while gaining a new qualification? This programme is the one for you.

• English as a Second Language • Mathematics • I.T. Skills

• Customer Service

• General Office Skills • Work Experience • Teamworking

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Graduates of this programme will have attained the required academic, I.T. and soft skills to progress to any of our Level 5 offerings. An ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) module is available throughout all our business programmes.

Sport and Recreation ­– Strength and Conditioning CERTIFICATION QQI Level 5 Sport and Recreation Strength and Conditioning

Course Overview Graduates of this programme will gain a major award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise. On top of this graduates will get the opportunity to gain the internationally accredited ITEC Gym Instruction award. This will allow them to gain employment in the fitness industry here or abroad.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Sport and Recreation Studies

This programme is for anyone with an interest in working in the fitness industry.

Learners who wish to return to education while learning through sport will also find this programme very interesting. This programme will have a strong practical aspect so willingness to partake in fitness classes is a must.

• Exercise and Fitness • Customer Service

• Sports Anatomy and Physiology • Kinesiology • Nutrition

• Leisure Facility Administration • Work Experience

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers

All third level institutions in the South East have strong Sport Science Departments. Graduates from QQI Level 5 programmes can achieve the equivalent of 360 Leaving Certificate points.

Graduates can progress to our Level 6 PT Programme or directly into work.

may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Gorey PLC - 2020- 2021 Courses

Sport and Recreation ­– Sports Injury Rehabilitation CERTIFICATION QQI Level 5 Sport and Recreation - Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Course Overview Graduates of this programme will gain a major award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise. On top of this graduates will get the opportunity to gain the internationally accredited ITEC Sports Massage Award as well as the Taping and Strapping Award. This will allow graduates work independently as match first aiders or progress to Further Education.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Sport and Recreation Studies

A passion for sports and an interest in learning about sports injuries is a must for this programme. Applicants should be willing to take part in practical exercise and treatment, based classes. As part of our Sports Department students may be asked to partake in other sporting activities from time to time to facilitate other students’ learning.

• Exercise and Fitness • Customer Service • Kinesiology

• Sports Anatomy and Physiology • Physio Assistant Practice

• Body Massage and Figure Analysis • ITEC Sports Massage • Work Experience

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Graduates can progress directly into the world of work, or progress into higher education. The ITEC Sports Massage Award gives graduates the opportunity to set up their own business, or working as massage therapists in a variety of industries.

Sport and Recreation ­– Sports Coaching CERTIFICATION QQI Level 5 Sport and Recreation Sports Coaching

Course Overview Graduates of this programme will gain a major award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise.

Graduates will work to achieve coaching awards in their chosen sport, working closely with national governing bodies and National Schools to gain practical experience.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Sport and Recreation Studies

A passion for sports and coaching is very important for this programme. As part of our Sports Department, students may be asked to partake in other activities from time to time to facilitate other students’ learning.

• Exercise and Fitness • Team Working

• Sports Anatomy and Physiology • Psychology • Nutrition

• G.A.A Coaching (Hurling and Gaelic Football) • Work Experience

Career Opportunities *Modules are

Graduates can progress directly into the world of work, or progress into higher education.

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Gorey PLC - 2020- 2021 Courses

Business Administration CERTIFICATION QQI Level 5 Business Administration

Course Overview Graduates of this programme will gain a major award in Business Administration. This programme has been designed to suit students who wish to progress directly into the workplace or progress to further study.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Business Administration

If you are looking to upskill, retrain or get an idea if this sector is of interest to you, this is the course for you. Graduates will also get to improve their I.T. Literacy through our Microsoft Certification programs.

• Accounts Manual and Computerised • Word Processing

• Customer Service • E-business • Insurance

• Work Experience

• French/ESOL/ or Spreadsheet Methods

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Graduates can progress directly into the world of work, or progress into higher education. There are multiple progression routes within Wexford VTOS for this programme. Graduates of this programme will also have the option of progressing to study business in an institute of further education, or to St. Patricks College Carlow to partake in their Arts Degree programmes which can lead to teaching, as well as their Social, Political and Community Studies degree.

E–Business CERTIFICATION QQI Level 5 E-Business

Course Overview With the changing retail environment, this programme is ideal for upskilling those who have previously worked in the Retail sector. A strong focus is placed on preparing learners to work independently, in particular selling online.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• e-Business

Have you previous experience in selling/retail and want to learn more about online selling?

Have you a business idea that you wish to get online? Have you been out of employment for some time and want to retrain? If you answered yes to any of these then this course may be for you.

• The Internet

• Web Authoring

• Business Administration • Customer Service

• Supply chain Operations • Work Experience

• French or ESOL or Spreadsheet Methods

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers

Graduates can progress directly into the world of work, or progress into higher education. There are multiple progression routes within Wexford VTOS for graduates of this programme. The option of progressing to study a similar topic in an institute of higher education is also an option.

may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Gorey PLC - 2020- 2021 Courses

Accounting Technicians Ireland Year 1 CERTIFICATION Accounting Technicians Ireland Year 1

Course Overview This award works to combine professional exams and assessments with practical work experience. The MIATI designation is the first thing employers will look for when recruiting Accounting Technicians.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Financial Accounting 1

Whether you are a school-leaver, changing career, or looking to get back to work, this recognised and respected qualification will open up the door to a rewarding career in accounting.

• Taxation 1

• Business Law and Business Management * extra QQI modules may be added to this programme to enhance learner employability

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Graduates of this programme will progress into ATI Year 2. Graduates can also enter into the workforce and continue their study self-funded.

Accounting Technicians Ireland Year 2 CERTIFICATION Accounting Technicians Ireland Year 1

Course Overview This award works to combine professional exams and assessments with practical work experience. The MIATI designation is the first thing employers will look for when recruiting Accounting Technicians.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Advanced Financial Accounting

Whether you are a school-leaver, changing career, or looking to get back to work, this recognised and respected qualification will open up the door to a rewarding career in accounting.

• Advanced Taxation

• Management Accounting

• Integrated Accounting Systems * extra QQI modules may be added to this programme to enhance learner employability

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers

On successful completion of Year 2, students may become Affiliate Members of Accounting Technicians Ireland, allowing them to maintain their professional affiliation while they complete the work experience requirement of the Diploma.

may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Gorey PLC - 2020- 2021 Courses

Business–Management CERTIFICATION QQI Level 6 BusinessManagement

Course Overview This Business Major award is designed to enable graduates work independently in a supervisory role. The key to this programme is a strong focus on people management and upwards and downwards communications within business settings.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Business Management

Many people work their way to supervisory roles without qualifications. This programme will give individuals the opportunity to match their experience to qualifications and gain new employment. Graduates of a Level 5 programme will also find this an excellent opportunity to advance their academic and employability skills.

• Communications

• Work Experience

• Managing People

• Financial Reporting

• Human Resource Management • Applied Economics

• Supervisory Management

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Graduates can progress to further studies in higher education or directly into work in a variety of settings. Graduates of this programme will also have the option of progressing to study business in an institute of further education, or to St. Patricks College Carlow to partake in their Arts Programme which can lead to a career in teaching, as well as their Social, Political and Community Studies degree.

Pre–College Business CERTIFICATION QQI Level 6 Pre-College Business

Course Overview This Business Major award is designed to equip graduates with the skills to progress to third level business programmes.

Programme of Study

Is this for me?

• Business Management

Are you a graduate of a Level 5 programme looking to gain further knowledge? Do you wish to gain the skills to progress to a degree course in small, supportive class groups? If this is so, this may be the course for you.

• Communications

• Work Experience • Spreadsheets

• Financial Reporting

• Applied Economics • Customer Service • Maths

Career Opportunities *Modules are

subject to change.

Alternative offers may be made in the event of a

programme not running.

Using our Links with I.T. Carlow Wexford Campus, graduates who achieve a certain standard can progress directly into second year of their Business Degree programme. Graduates of this programme will also have the option of progressing to study business in an Institute of Further Education, or to St. Patricks College Carlow to partake in their Arts degree which can lead to a career in teaching, as well as their Social, Political and Community Studies degree.

Gorey PLC - 2020- 2021 Courses

Other VTOS Options in County Wexford Should you not find something that interests you in our offerings, or distance and travel is an issue, please have a look at what other VTOS programmes are offering throughout Wexford.

VTOS Enniscorthy Gonzaga House, Weafer Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Y21K702

T: 0539237224 E: Enniscorthyvtos@wwetb.ie Programmes: Employability Skills - Level 3 Employability Skills - Level 4

Business Administration - Level 5

VTOS Gorey Gorey Civic Centre, The Avenue, Gorey, Co. Wexford Y25A6Y2

T: 0539421791 E: goreyvtos@wwetb.ie Programmes: General Learning - Level 3

General Learning - Level 4

Business Administration - Level 5

VTOS New Ross Butlersland, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34AD63

T: 051425034 E: newrossvtos@wwetb.ie Programmes: Office Skills - Level 4

Information and Communications Technology Skills - Level 4

Culinary Skills - Level 4

Professional Cookery - Level 5

Business Administration - Level 5

Wexford VTOS - 2020- 2021 Courses

Wexford VTOS Wexford Adult Education Centre Westgate, Wexford, Y35 H392 053 916188 086 8533659 wexfordvtos@wwetb.ie

Gorey PLC - 2020- 2021 Courses

Coordinator Peter Hayden peterhayden@wwetb.ie