Job Description
The National Apprenticeship Office wishes to appoint a Manager to lead on apprenticeship transformation and development. The person in this role will support the Director of the NAO in delivering the strategic and operational actions in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 and any subsequent strategic/action plans, and leading the NAO team in enhanced engagement with key stakeholders who include apprentices: employers; 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 as the target of 10,000 apprentice registrations annually by 2025 approaches. In line with the Action Plan, the person appointed as Manager will drive delivery of the annual workplan of the NAO and take a lead in transformational actions, including establishment of each element of the single integrated model of apprenticeships; strategic promotion and marketing of apprenticeships under the Generation Apprenticeship banner, oversight of the processes for proposal, development, launch and ongoing support for new apprenticeship programmes, and liaison with key stakeholder groups including the National Apprenticeship Alliance, apprentices, consortia representatives, employers, education and training providers and social partners. The person appointed will work closely with the NAO Director in scaling up the work of the NAO and lead on introduction a range of new and enhanced systems and processes to enable the expansion of the integrated apprenticeship system nationally. The duties of the Manager will, in addition, include oversight and management of formal feedback and information to the Boards of SOLAS and HEA, through the national Parliamentary Questions process and to other formal representations and requests for information. 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 nationalAction 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. TheAction Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025was 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€78,239 - €102,374per 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. ? The Job booklet and application form can be downloaded from the website, and must be submitted through emailquoting reference number?543, by?12pm,Monday, 7th October 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 (Nao Office, Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin 3). One of the days being an assigned anchor day. Please note that as a public sector employee, you mustresidein the Irishjurisdictionto avail of blended working, andin accordance withDepartment Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) requirements, you must be available to attend in personif and whenrequired. SOLAS is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will disqualify.? Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme TravelPass Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives