Solas

Who we are!

Established in 2013 under the Further Education and Training Act​​​ we are an agency of the Department of Education and Skills and are governed by a Board​. We have been tasked with building the identity and values of a world-class, integrated FET sector that is responsive to the needs of learners and the requirements of a changed and changing economy. SOLAS also manages the National Apprenticeship system , EGF,  eCollege,Safepass a​nd the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.​​​​​

What we do!

SOLAS' functions are to manage, co-ordinate and support the delivery of this integrated Further Education and Training by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs); to monitor delivery and provide funding based on reliable, good quality data and positive outcomes; and to promote Further Education and Training provision that is relevant to individual learner needs and national skills needs. This includes the needs of business and future skills requirements.​​​​​​

​​LEADING CHANGE IN FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Ireland has ​a rich and diverse range of Further Education and Training provision. SOLAS' challenge is to ensure that each and every learning opportunity provided includes the needs of individuals to gain new skills or to advance their personal development, the needs of enterprises to have access to the type of skills they need to grow and sustain their businesses and the needs of civil society to provide parity of esteem and equity of opportunity to all its citizens.

We also aim to ensure that Further Education and Training is inclusive and recognises that all citizens have the potential to develop their skill sets if afforded the opportunity and support to do so. SOLAS is working to be a trusted guardian of Further Education and Training, we are developing our knowledge base and will use this to advance the Further Education and Training contribution to citizens, the economy and society.

​CORE PRINCIPLES

​In order to realise the vision and the mission of SOLAS, the following core principlesunderpin SOLAS' activities.

EVIDENCE-BASED

Ensuring there is robust intelligence to inform the planning, funding and design of new and existing FET provision

COLLABORATIVE

Focusing on adding value by fostering collaboration across the FET sector, sharing learning and empowering delivery organisations

RESPONSIBLE & FLEXIBLE

Promoting innovation and the funding of provision that meets identified needs

OUTWARD-LOOKING & LEARNING-CENTEREDBeing open to new ideas, proactive in seeking out evidence of 'what works' in FET and ensuring that the learner experience is at the centre of decision-making.

FOCUSED ON EXCELLENCE

Maintaining a central focus on standards and quality in FET, including excellence in programme development and the on-going professional development of the FET workforce