SOLAS - The Further Education and Training Authority | Assistant Manager Grants and Operations

The National Apprenticeship Office wishes to appoint an Assistant Manager for apprenticeship grants and operational supports. The person in this role will act as a key team member in implementing the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. Projects include development of cost data collection and a performance framework to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of apprenticeship (Key Deliverable 2); financial measures to address barriers to employer participation across all sectors of the economy (KD4 and KD5); inclusive apprenticeship access and delivery structures, including a grant/bursary for apprentices (KD8); an enhanced approach to monitoring and assessing targets (KD9) and a coherent, representative, governance framework and structure for the system as a whole (KD12). The person appointed to the Assistant Manager post will have a key role in project managing and delivering these actions, working closely with NAO colleagues and the Director. The National Apprenticeship Office is a new body that has been set up jointly 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 will act 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 by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in April 2021. 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 into a consortium-led model. This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €71,539 - €90,532 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. Closing dates and how to apply Job booklet and application form can be downloaded from the CPL NAO website, and must be submitted through email quoting reference number552, by 12pm, Monday, 23 December 2024. 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 an assigned anchor day. 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. Skills: Financial numeracy Organisational Skills Project Management Analytical Problem Solving Attention to detail Verbal And Written Communication Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme CycleToWork Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives TravelPass Scheme