Director, Grade 4 - Apprenticeship ref no:610
SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society.
At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 – 2024, the evaluation of the Greenskills Strategy , the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others.
The Programme Director will lead the entire Apprenticeship team and be a member of the senior leadership team in SOLAS, reporting directly to an Executive Director with responsibility for Apprenticeship. The successful candidate will play a major role in driving implementation of the apprenticeship transition and implementation plans, the review of the consortia led apprenticeships, managing change within SOLAS and supporting change across the wider stakeholder landscape. In tandem, there will be an operational imperative to continue to ensure craft apprenticeship and consortia led apprenticeship provision operates smoothly and effectively, and that capacity continues to be maximised to address the remaining waiting lists. Consultancy expertise will support the change process as required.
This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €107,081 to €132,450 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service.
SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development.
Applications, using the SOLAS Application Form, quoting reference number 610, should be e-mailed to recruitment@solas.ie. Please complete the application form as specified. CVs will not be accepted.
The closing date is Tuesday, 07 April 2026 at 12.00 pm (Noon).
A Blended Working policy is in place, and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday.
The use of AI throughout your recruitment process is limited. To understand more, see our AI Usage Guidelines.
Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required.
SOLAS is an equal opportunity employer. SOLAS welcomes people with diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please reach out to us on recruitment@solas.ie . Canvassing will disqualify.