Andrew Brownlee is CEO in SOLAS, the state agency responsible for further education and training (FET) in Ireland. Since taking up the role in September 2019, SOLAS has overseen the FET sector’s response to COVID, launched an ambitious new FET strategy, Transforming Learning, a new literacy and numeracy strategy, Adult Literacy for Life and has overseen the inclusion of FET & apprenticeship options as part of the school leavers University decision-making system. He recently supported the development of Strategic Performance Agreements between the ETBs and SOLAS which set out FET system targets in employment, progression, transversal skills development, focus on key skills needs and lifelong learning. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Andrew was Executive Director for Strategy and Knowledge at SOLAS, where he played a key role in putting in place a strategic performance framework for the FET sector and implementing reforms to support a more integrated system. Andrew joined SOLAS from the Higher Education Authority where he was Head of System Funding and led the development a new funding model for HE. Prior to joining the public sector, Andrew had a long and distinguished career in management consultancy, working for PwC, PA Consulting and Fitzpatrick Associates. He has a Masters in Economics and Accounting from the University of Edinburgh.

The Transformation of Further Education and Training in Ireland

Presentation

In 2013 Ireland took a major decision to merge its national training infrastructure with a county based vocational education system to create an integrated further education and training system for the first time. Since then it has embarked on a major process of transformation and change, developing new organisations to coordinate FET at regional level, developing systems and capability, and growing the profile, contribution and impact of further education and training over time. Andrew will talk through this journey, highlighting key learning and areas of ambition for the future.