Project Officer

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 Office (NAO) wishes to recruit a Project Officer for apprenticeship statistics. They will delivery on actions related to data analysis and sharing, enhancing the quality and availability of data, building the survey capability and output of the NAO, enhancing relationships with key stakeholders, and supporting redevelopment of the ACSS as part of a single integrated apprenticeship system. The person appointed will liaise with the data analysis, digital and IT teams in SOLAS and HEA and with the data and statistics strategies being implemented by both organisations, including the planned publication schemes. A key aspect of this role is to coordinate responses from the NAO to parliamentary questions and representations that are made to us through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The person appointed will be the first point of contact in the NAO for these queries. They will be responsible for liaising with other staff members within the NAO to craft and progress responses often working to tight deadlines. They will maintain a file of responses to queries and have responsibility for continuously improving service delivery in this area. This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €46,665 to €73,978 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 from our website, and must be submitted through email quoting reference number588,by 12 noon Monday, 24 November 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 Health and Wellbeing Initiatives TravelPass Scheme