Assistant Manager

The National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) is a joint body established by SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority on behalf of Government to manage, oversee and develop all aspects of the apprenticeship system.

The Office is also responsible for implementing the national Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025.

The Office acts as a single point of contact for employers, apprentices and providers in accessing information and guidance on apprenticeship.

The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 was published in 2021 by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Following a seven-year period of expansion 2014-2021, the Action Plan sets out a roadmap for a single integrated system of apprenticeship nationally.

There are over 60 actions in the Plan, covering core objectives on the quality and positive status of apprenticeships nationally; ensuring strong industry involvement; enhanced equity of access to apprenticeship opportunities; and a single cohesive apprenticeship system which includes migration of 25 craft apprenticeships to a consortium-led model.

The National Apprenticeship Officewishes to appoint an Assistant Manager for strategic promotion and stakeholder engagement.

The person in this role will lead implementation of actions in the Plan relating to strategic promotion and repositioning of apprenticeships in Ireland as well as engagement with key stakeholders who include over 9,500 employers, 28,400+ apprentices, support staff including SOLAS Authorised Officers, training providers, consortia coordinators and other consortia representatives, social partners, Government agencies and departments.

There are an estimated 40,000 people currently involved in/participating in national apprenticeships; this community is growing month on month.

The Assistant Manager for strategic promotion and stakeholder engagement will play a key role in this expansion.

In line with the deliverables in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, the person appointed as Assistant Manager will take a lead in identifying and addressing employer barriers to participation in apprenticeship and increasing the number of employers using apprenticeship as a talent pipeline (KD4 & KD5); increasing the voice of under-represented cohorts in apprenticeship (KD7); monitoring and assessing targets via surveys and other forms of feedback (KD9); repositioning apprenticeships so that they are sufficiently visible, and recognised by learners and influencers (parents, family, friends, teachers, guidance counsellors) as an attractive route to qualifications and a career (KD10) and enabling apprentices will be supported to complete their programmes through clear communication, support networks and increased ownership of their learning journey (KD11).

This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from 72,970 to 92,343 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week.

Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82.

Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service.

SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development.

Job booklet and NAO Application Form can be downloaded, and must be submitted through email quoting reference number576,by 12pm Monday, 11 August 2025.

Please complete the application form as specified.

CVs will not be accepted.

A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1).

One of the days being the NAO Anchor Day - Tuesday.

Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required.

SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer.

Canvassing will disqualify.

Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme Travel Pass Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

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