SOLAS was established in 2013 and is the further education and training authority. It is  responsible for the strategic co-ordination and funding of the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. 

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “SOLAS plays a significant role in the further education and training sector.  

“One of their functions is to help guide how the FET sector is planned, funded, supported and delivered on the ground.  

“This includes providing pathways for diverse groups of learners, preparing people for successful careers and a lifetime of learning and development.  

“SOLAS is one of the Department’s key agencies with a fundamental role in progressing the unified tertiary policy, working as a sectoral leader to promote the unified tertiary policy, leading out on and/or collaborating on actions, which support its progression, and serving as a key facilitator for collaboration with and across the tertiary system.” 

Candidates should have extensive experience in one or more of the following areas: senior management experience; understanding of workplace relations; representing the needs and interests of learners.  

The Minister will have regard to the desirability for gender balance, diversity and inclusion on the Board when making the appointments. Candidates who have been brought forward in this process may form a panel from which future vacancies arising in the next 12 months may be filled. 

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is managing the process of filling the two vacancies on the SOLAS Board.

Applications may only be made through PAS. A detailed information booklet can be found here. 

Expressions of interest can be made using the application form. 

The closing date for submissions is 3pm on Tuesday, 9 January 2024.