Minister Lawless and Minister Harkin launch SOLAS’ five-year Further Education and Training Strategy

SOLAS/06.05.2026

An ambitious new strategy for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland is being launched today by James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills.

Over the past 5 years, the number of people developing skills and knowledge through FET has accelerated, with over 400,000 people around the country participating and gaining qualifications in 2025. Over the coming 5 years, Education and Training Boards and other key education partners will play a vital role in delivering the skills of the future, including in AI, digital skills and green innovation.

James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said that by fuelling Ireland’s competitiveness, FET is fostering successful, sustainable and cohesive communities across Ireland.

“This strategy sets out a vision for a modern, agile, and inclusive further education system that supports learners at every stage of life, strengthens communities, and equips our workforce with future-ready skills and knowledge,” he said.

“Thanks to the work and ambition of the FET community, over the past decade, opportunities have been expanded, pathways into employment and higher education have been strengthened, and a system is now in place that is responsive to learners and employers alike.”

Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said:

“The Further Education and Training system has a crucial role to play in building a dynamic and inclusive economy through its twin objectives, economic prosperity and social inclusion.

It does this by empowering learners at every stage of life, partnering closely with enterprise and creating opportunities for all through skills development.

Creating Futures 2026-2030 sets out how we will develop FET into a relevant, future-focused, and inclusive system that provides access and creates opportunities for people through career development, upskilling and lifelong learning.”

Newly appointed CEO of SOLAS, Deirdre McDonnell said: “FET in Ireland now offers a diverse and dynamic wide range of learning and qualification options, from micro-qualifications to online courses, Post Leaving Certificate courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, Skills to Advance opportunities for employees and community-based and adult education programmes in construction skills, language learning and literacy and numeracy.

“The new strategy – ‘Creating Futures’ – aims for even greater participation in lifelong learning. With AI and other new technologies transforming how we live and work, FET is uniquely placed to respond in an agile, flexible way to our rapidly changing world and to new and emerging skills needs.”

This is the third national strategy for the FET sector, covering the five-year period from 2026 to 2030. Actions in the strategy are grouped into four key pillars:

1.      Future-Ready Knowledge & Skills

2.      Inclusion for Prosperity and Cohesion

3.      Quality and Innovation

4.      Collaborating for Impact

 Download Creating Futures 2026-2030 (English version)

 Download Creating Futures 2026-2030 (Irish version)