The Government has revamped the Vocational Training Scheme to make the scheme more attractive to employers and employees alike.

In November last year the Department of Education and Training revamped its Vocational Training Scheme. Many local employers have tapped into this scheme in the past as it offered them a low cost way to find and train potential employees. Some of the drawbacks of the old scheme have been done away with and the increased monthly allowance makes it more attractive for recruits as well. This has been enabled by assistance from the EU Social Funds, which helps to cover the cost of the monthly allowance payable to the trainee.

For those not intending to go on to further education the scheme offers both employers and those new to the world of work a way to engage each other in a low-risk but worthwhile manner.

Employers do not pay an allowance but need to commit to providing a structured programme for trainees for the duration of the placement. Employers do not pay tax or social insurance for the trainees either as the trainee is effectively participating in an educational project sponsored by the Government. Employers would need to keep a record of the trainee’s attendance. The Training Unit also allocates a programme monitor to liaise with companies taking part in the scheme and to ensure that the trainee is acquiring a number of useful skills.

There are very few restrictions on the type of companies that qualify for the scheme. However it is hoped that many smaller companies will look at utilising the new scheme to find and train new staff. Typical placements in the past have included general office and clerical work, messenger and administrative duties, hotel and catering, tourism, manual labour and retail sales.

The scheme is open to people aged between 16-25 years and employers should complete the application form (From VTS Company App) before engaging a new trainee. Placements last for up to a year and there is no obligation for the employer to offer a trainee a permanent position at the end of the placement.

The trainee gets to work in a real world work environment not only gaining valuable experience, but also getting paid a decent monthly allowance with the possibility of securing a post at the end of the trainee period.

Benefits for the employer:
• Long term placement gives time for trainee to learn a series of skills
• No cost to the employer during the placement: no income tax or social insurance contributions payable
• Low risk way of assessing ability of potential new recruits

Benefits for the employee:
• Structured training scheme in a real-work environment