Project Officer (Quality Assurance) Grade 8, National Apprenticeship Office ref no:589
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.
The National Apprenticeship Office is a new body that has been set up jointly by SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority on behalf of Government to manage, oversee and develop all aspects of the apprenticeship system. The Office is also responsible for implementing the national Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. The Office will act as a single point of contact for employers, apprentices and providers in accessing information and guidance on apprenticeship.
The National Apprenticeship Office wishes to recruit a Project Officer to the area of Quality Assurance. The person in this role will assist in developing and implementing models of QA for craft apprenticeships, monitoring internal and external compliance with SOLAS requirements, managing cases of suspected malpractice, creating standard operating procedures and maintaining strong controls around QA documentation. The person in this role will also support implementation of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, in particular key deliverables 1 and 2 to: build a strong framework of QA, and to drive an evidence-based approach to continuous improvement.
An estimated 40,000 people are currently involved or supporting in national apprenticeships. This community is growing month on month. With a target of 10,000 apprentice registrations annually by 2025 it is expected that the community will grow by at least a third, up to 60,000. The project officer will be a key member of the NAO team.
This permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €46,665 to €73,978 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 NAO Application Form, quoting reference number 589, should be e-mailed to recruitment@nao.ie Please complete the application form as specified. CVs will not be accepted.
The closing date is 12pm, Monday, 26 January 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 NAO Anchor Day - Tuesday.
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@nao.ie . Canvassing will disqualify.