Deputy Seán Crowe commends VTOS graduates at Tallaght award’s ceremony

Speaking after presenting Vocational Training Operational Scheme (VTOS) and Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) certificates in an award’s ceremony held this week in the Dublin Institute of Technology, Tallaght, Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe, TD said:

“VTOS is supported by the European Social Fund that’s aim is to ensure labour market intervention by enabling long term unemployed people to access education and training.

“The awarding of these certificates and the work of Dominic’s College symbolise the hard work and study of people who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves unemployed. They are role models for other and are to be greatly commended for seeking access to employment through education and training and obtaining these qualifications will greatly enhance their prospects of finding a job.

“The current economic crisis has greatly impacted on Irish society and very few families have not been affected by the scourge of unemployment, emigration and rising levels of poverty.

“An accessible and affordable education is needed if we are to achieve future growth and prosperity.

“Being able to avail of higher education courses is important if we are to produce graduates who are able to meet the diverse and ever changing demands of industry and a job’s market that is constantly evolving. The people who received VTOS certificates show what can be achieved when people have access to higher education.

“It is also fitting to have this award’s ceremony held in Dublin ITT, in this the 20^th anniversary of its opening. Dublin ITT has evolved into an institute of higher learning that is the equal to anywhere on the island of Ireland and I have no doubt that the people who received their graduation certificates will apply the knowledge and skills they have learnt in whatever career they choose to pursue.”