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SOLAS is the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland

SOLAS works with Education and Training Boards (ETBs), Regional Skills Fora and local enterprises across Ireland to develop FET programmes that are responsive to the rapidly evolving skill needs and social and economic landscape unique to each region. FET is uniquely placed to respond to the critical skills needs in Ireland and will play an important part in the development of future skills that will be needed to meet national strategic challenges such as digitisation, climate change, decarbonisation and demographic change

Who we are?

SOLAS oversees the building of a world class Further Education and Training (FET) sector in Ireland, developing skills to fuel Ireland’s future. We drive the responsiveness, innovation, transformation, sustainability and success of the FET and apprenticeship systems. We do this by setting strategy, channelling investment, leading implementation, and ensuring accountability across FET providers, with an overriding focus on the needs of their learners and apprentices. Our vision is to power the potential of individuals, communities and enterprise through lifelong learning and workforce transformation.

Who we service?

SOLAS, along with our partners, the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), has driven transformation in the FET sector in relation to how FET is delivered, driving FET as a valuable and recognised learning pathway in Ireland. FET is for everyone. It is available in every community in Ireland through the ETB network, and offers every individual, regardless of any previous level of education, a pathway to take them as far as they want to go. Whether looking to upskill, learn something new or get career ready, FET delivers a broad range of learning opportunities from bite-sized to full-time courses across upskilling and reskilling, apprenticeships, adult literacy, Post Leaving Certificate options, community education and everything in between.

What we do?

The successful implementation of the second national FET strategy, Transforming Learning, which came to its conclusion at the end of 2024 has been central to our work. It has resulted in important progress for the FET sector in relation to how FET is delivered, widening participation to those most marginalised in our communities, and ensuring that FET becomes a valuable and recognised learning pathway in Ireland. This includes the development of targeted and flexible upskilling options under the Skills to Advance initiative, such as FET Micro-Qualifications ensure that enterprise can respond to meet the rapidly changing world of work, advances in technology and our commitments to tackling climate change. 
 

At a glance

Focus
  • Our vision is to power the potential of individuals, communities and enterprise through lifelong learning and workforce transformation
Sectors
  • All sectors
Network
  • Head Office is located in Dublin
  • 16 ETBs across the country
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12 supports based on your selections

Skills to Advance: Retail—Specific Upskilling

Boost your retail business with highly subsidised upskilling opportunities

Skills to Advance provides flexible, accredited upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees and employers around Ireland. All programmes are delivered locally through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide and are available at little or no cost. Skills to Advance is an initiative of SOLAS, the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.

Retail employers and employees who want to drive business performance and career progression through accredited and highly subsidised training. A wide range of courses are available, including leadership and management skills, customer service, food and beverage preparation training.

 

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a small, medium or large enterprise
  • You are in employment

 

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Training & Programmes

FET Micro-Qualifications: Lean Principles & Tools

Create more value with fewer resources through Lean Practices

Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications are short, accredited, and highly subsidised upskilling programmes, developed under the Skills to Advance initiative. Improve your business’s productivity, processes and resource efficiency with the Lean Practice for Sustainable Business FET micro-qualifications.

 

Employers and employees looking to access bite-sized, accredited upskilling programmes to develop lean business practices. Lean practices help you create value with fewer resources and less waste.

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a small, medium or large enterprise
  • You are in employment

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
 

Training & Programmes

Skills to Advance: Boost Skills, Boost Business

Boost your skills to boost your business with Skills to Advance

Skills to Advance provides flexible, accredited upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees and employers around Ireland. All programmes are delivered locally through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide and are available at little or no cost. Skills to Advance is an initiative of SOLAS, the Further Education and Training (FET) authority.

Employers and employees looking to upskill or reskill to advance their knowledge and future-proof their capabilities. Programmes are available across a variety of industries and skill areas.

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a small, medium or large enterprise
  • You are in employment

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Training & Programmes

AI Micro-Qualifications: Short courses for targeted business upskilling

Learn to use AI strategically and ethically in your business with FET micro-qualifications

Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications in AI are designed to help employees and businesses integrate AI technologies into their professional environments, in a strategic and responsible way, to help enhance productivity. Typically, FET micro-qualifications take 50 hours to complete. All FET micro-qualifications are delivered locally through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide and are provided under the Skills to Advance initiative.

Employers and employees looking to build knowledge, skills and competencies in the rapidly evolving area of AI through accredited and highly subsidised training.

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a small, medium or large enterprise
  • You are in employment

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions

Automotive

Training & Programmes

Solas FET Micro-Qualifications

Upskill your employees to future-proof your business

Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications are short, accredited, and highly subsidised upskilling programmes for enterprises and employees. Typically, the total learning time amounts to 50 hours, consisting of tutor training and self-directed learning. All FET micro-qualifications are delivered locally through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide and are provided under the Skills to Advance upskilling initiative.

Employers and employees looking to access bite-sized, accredited upskilling programmes in emerging skill areas, such as sustainability/green skills, digital business, market innovation and more.

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a small, medium or large enterprise
  • You are in employment

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
 

Training & Programmes

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Innovate Solutions Project Manager
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