Working closely with Regional Skills managers and our partners in Education and Training Boards nationally, SOLAS manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes which enable learners to succeed in the labour market and thrive in society. Programmes include Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Skills to Advance, eCollege and the European Globalisation Fund.
SOLAS also manages the Safe Pass Health and Safety Awareness Training Programme, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS). Current courses can be found at www.fetchcourses.ie
We manage the National Skills Database and provide research, data and analysis for the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, and to inform our work.
SOLAS is the designated Intermediate Body for the European Social Fund Programme for Employment, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020. Eligible further education and training programmes are co-funded by the Irish Government, the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI). Co-funded programmes include ETB Training for the Unemployed, Adult Literacy, Back to Education Initiative, Community Training Centres and Youthreach.
Learn more at European Social Fund Plus
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Our Mission
Our mission is to fund, coordinate, and monitor Further Education and Training provision in Ireland. We will play our part in supporting the development of a sector that is innovative, flexible and responsive to the needs of learners and employers.
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Our Vision
Our vision is to create a Further Education and Training sector that delivers quality education, training and skills to enables learners to succeed in the labour market and thrive in society.
Core Principles
Evidence-based
We ensure that there is robust intelligence to inform the planning, funding and design of new and existing FET provision.
Focused on excellence
We maintain a central focus on standards and quality in FET, including excellence in programme development and the on-going professional development of the FET workforce.
Responsible and Flexible
We promote innovation and the funding of provision that meets identified needs.
Collaborative
We focus on adding value by fostering collaboration across the FET sector, sharing learning and empowering delivery organisations.
Outward-looking and Learning-centred
We are open to new ideas, proactive in seeking out evidence of 'what works' in FET. We ensure that the learner experience is at the centre of decision-making.