Working closely with Regional Skills managers and our partners in Education and Training Boards nationally, SOLAS manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes which enable learners to succeed in the labour market and thrive in society. Programmes include Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Skills to Advance, eCollege and the European Globalisation Fund.

SOLAS also manages the Safe Pass Health and Safety Awareness Training Programme, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS). Current courses can be found at www.fetchcourses.ie

We manage the National Skills Database and provide research, data and analysis for the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, and to inform our work.

SOLAS is the designated Intermediate Body for the European Social Fund Programme for Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) 2021-2027. Eligible further education and training programmes are co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund (ESF+). Co-funded programmes include ETB Training programmes, Adult Literacy programmes and Youthreach.

Learn more at https://eufunds.ie

Our Mission

Our mission is to fund, coordinate, and monitor Further Education and Training provision in Ireland. We will play our part in supporting the development of a sector that is innovative, flexible and responsive to the needs of learners and employers.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a Further Education and Training sector that delivers quality education, training and skills to enables learners to succeed in the labour market and thrive in society. ​​​

Core Principles

Evidence-based

We ensure that there is robust intelligence to inform the planning, funding and design of new and existing FET provision.

Focused on excellence

We maintain a central focus on standards and quality in FET, including excellence in programme development and the on-going professional development of the FET workforce.

Responsible and Flexible

We promote innovation and the funding of provision that meets identified needs.

Collaborative

We focus on adding value by fostering collaboration across the FET sector, sharing learning and empowering delivery organisations.

Outward-looking and Learning-centred

We are open to new ideas, proactive in seeking out evidence of 'what works' in FET. We ensure that the learner experience is at the centre of decision-making.

Our ambition is to be

Leading voice

for Further Education and Training in Ireland

Best practice

in corporate governance and excellence in everything we do

Leading hub

of labour market intelligence in Ireland

Positive Impact

on individuals, communities and businesses

Client - Centred

outward facing and client-centred