Sean Aylward

SOLAS (An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna)

SOLAS is the new Further Education and Training Authority in Ireland. It is responsible for funding, planning and co-ordinating training and further education programmes. It has been established to develop and give strategic direction to the Further Education and Training Sector in Ireland. It is responsible for funding, planning and co-ordinating a wide range of training and further education programmes and has a mandate to ensure the provision of 21st century high-quality programmes to jobseekers and other learners. SOLAS will strive to ensure that every learner has access to the best possible Further Education and Training (FET) and will work to build a new learner focused FET service in Ireland that is fit for purpose and designed to meet future needs. To achieve this, SOLAS will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including learners, employers, Education & Training Boards, Government departments, state bodies, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Institutes of Technology (IOTs) and representative organisations. The aim is to build a clear, integrated pathway to work for learners through Further Education and Training.