Manager (Quality Assurance) Grade 6 - National Apprenticeship Office ref no:612
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.
SOLAS is seeking to appoint a manager to lead on apprenticeship Quality Assurance (QA) transformation. This role supports the Director of Apprenticeship in delivering strategic and operational actions arising from the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 and subsequent plans. The postholder will also play a key role in managing the transfer of craft apprenticeship curriculum and assessment functions from SOLAS to education providers.
The Manager will lead the Apprenticeship QA team in engaging with key stakeholders, including apprentices, employers, support staff, training providers, consortia coordinators, and peer state agencies.
The Manager, Quality Assurance, will work closely with the Director of Apprenticeship to project manage and coordinate the delivery of key elements of the NAO annual work plan. This includes:
- writing and producing high-quality internal and external facing documents,
- ensuring effective and responsive communication and engagement with stakeholders,
- developing, updating and ensuring implementation of standard operating procedures, as well as
- leading meetings and events related to QA.
This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across all apprenticeship offerings. The successful applicant will oversee the development, implementation, and review of quality assurance frameworks, document control, monitoring processes and will be responsible for ensuring that all craft apprenticeship programmes meet internal benchmarks and external regulatory requirements. The Manager, Quality Assurance will champion a culture of excellence, foster engagement among stakeholders, and lead a team dedicated to enhancing the SOLAS apprenticeship QA framework and ensuring an effective interface with apprenticeship delivery providers and their respective quality assurance frameworks.
This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €82,221 to €107,586 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 612, should be e-mailed to recruitment@solas.ie. Please complete the application form as specified. CVs will not be accepted.
The closing date is 12 noon, Wednesday, 22 April 2026
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.
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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.