Skills to Advance with Solas

Skills to Advance is a national initiative developed by Solas, Ireland’s Further Education and Training (FET) authority.
It is designed to support employees who wish to upskill or reskill, particularly those working in sectors undergoing change or individuals who may be at risk of displacement in the labour market.
The programme operates through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), which deliver courses across the country.

Who the Programme Is For

The initiative primarily targets people who are already in employment rather than jobseekers.
Typical participants include:

Employees in lower-skilled or vulnerable roles who may need new skills to remain in work.
Workers seeking to progress within their sector or transition into new roles.
Individuals needing recognised qualifications to support career development.
Employers looking to identify training options for their staff as part of workforce development.

Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the course, region and funding allocation, but many programmes focus on those in lower-skilled jobs or earning below specific income thresholds.

Types of Courses Available

Skills to Advance offers a wide range of short and longer accredited courses.
Areas commonly covered include:

Digital and ICT skills
Supervisory management and leadership
Health and social care
Green skills and sustainability
Logistics, transport and supply chain operations
Hospitality and retail skills
Specialist technical skills linked to specific industries

Courses are generally part-time and flexible, allowing learners to balance study with work commitments. Many lead to qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Levels 3–6.

How the Programme Works

The programme is delivered regionally through the ETBs, which assess local and sectoral skills needs and design training responses accordingly.
Training may take place in ETB colleges, in the workplace, or through blended and online delivery.
Costs for learners are typically subsidised, but the level of support depends on individual eligibility and course type.

Employers can also work with ETBs to arrange customised upskilling for their staff. This may involve identifying key skill gaps, designing tailored programmes or offering sector-specific training for groups of employees.

Benefits for Learners and Employers

Although not framed as an employment programme, Skills to Advance aims to:

Increase access to upskilling opportunities for those who may not otherwise engage in further education.
Strengthen job security by equipping workers with relevant, in-demand skills.
Support progression to higher-skilled roles or further qualifications.
Help employers address skill shortages and adapt to technological or regulatory changes.

Because courses are developed alongside industry and linked to national skills strategies, they typically reflect current labour market needs.

How to Explore Course Options

Prospective learners can view available courses through their local ETB or national FET course search tools.
Information on eligibility, funding and enrolment varies by course, so contacting the relevant ETB is usually the best first step.