Permanent Senior Training Advisor

Initial Work Location

Kildare and Wicklow ETB, Training Services, Chestnut House, Naas. The successful candidate will initially be assigned to this location. However, KWETB reserves the right to assign the appointee to any other location as service needs require. This will be confirmed upon appointment.

Nature of Post: Senior Training Advisor – Apprenticeship

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to carry out the role and be capable of performing to a high standard.

Role

The post holder will provide essential support services to registered apprentices and employers in Kildare and Wicklow in accordance with standards determined by SOLAS under the National Apprenticeship Standards (NAS) rules.

The successful candidate may also be responsible for engagement across a range of sectors, including community training providers, depending on service requirements.

Essential Requirements

The following are essential requirements for appointment to this post:

• A qualification at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or equivalent, and/or significant relevant work experience. Third-level qualifications in relevant disciplines would be a distinct advantage.
• A high level of knowledge and expertise in Further Education and Training (FET).
• Knowledge of National Apprenticeship Standards and new Apprenticeship programmes.
• A work history demonstrating flexibility and the ability to work on one's own initiative.
• Excellent ICT, administration, and coordination skills.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures.
• Excellent motivating, negotiating, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good presentation skills.
• A minimum of four years' training-related experience and/or experience dealing with various client groups, whether community or employer-based.
• Experience in planning and organising.
• Budget management experience.
• Good listening skills and the ability to empathise with different client groups.
• Proven networking skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Project management experience.
• Supervisory or staff management experience.
• Strong influencing skills.
• Good telephone communication skills.
• Good general knowledge of training in business and community-based organisations.
• Knowledge of the local labour market.

Duties of the Role

The duties of the role will include:

• Assist in coordinating all activities of the National Apprenticeship Standards Programme.
• Carry out the functions of a SOLAS Authorised Officer in accordance with SOLAS operational rules.
• Promote and operate the Regulatory Apprenticeship Programme as outlined in the SOLAS Authorised Officer role.
• Provide information to employers, schools, and other interested parties regarding the National Apprenticeship Standards Programme.
• Assess the suitability of employers to train apprentices.
• Register apprentices onto National Apprenticeship Standards programmes.
• Brief employers on their responsibilities regarding on-the-job apprenticeship phases.
• Deliver mandatory briefing sessions to employers' nominated Assessor Verifiers.
• Schedule and deliver apprentice induction programmes.
• Administer registration and payment of off-the-job allowances.
• Carry out monitoring visits to apprentices and employers during on-the-job phases.
• Manage redundant apprentices.
• Process applications to the Apprenticeship Appeals Committee.
• Process exemption applications for registered apprentices.
• Approve apprentices for certification.
• Actively participate in Apprenticeship Awards Ceremonies.
• Liaise with SOLAS, other agencies, and representative bodies on behalf of KWETB.
• Establish and chair meetings on behalf of KWETB.
• Organise sectoral and business events.
• Obtain and collate data relating to apprentices, apprenticeships, and industry as required.
• Liaise with Further Education and Training providers, Higher Education providers, stakeholders, and enterprises to develop new programmes that meet industry needs.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of new programmes for enterprise and management initiatives, including Skills to Advance, Skills for Work, Skills to Compete, and other initiatives.
• Organise and chair meetings with staff, management, enterprises, stakeholders, and third parties.
• Participate actively in working groups within KWETB.
• Represent KWETB on working groups with SOLAS, stakeholders, and other agencies.
• Conduct labour market analyses and produce action plans under management direction.
• Create and maintain a database of active employers and monitor skills requirements.
• Liaise closely with FET staff involved in Enterprise Engagement activities.
• Assist in planning and developing new courses with FET services, the Department of Social Protection (DSP), stakeholders, and other agencies.
• Liaise with FET services, schools, enterprise groups, and community organisations regarding programme promotion and development.
• Maintain records and statistics and prepare reports, action plans, returns, and submissions for management, SOLAS, the Department of Education, FET senior managers, and other bodies.
• Liaise with Quality Assurance, Human Resources, Finance, Recruitment, Procurement, and other relevant sections within KWETB.
• Organise Enterprise Engagement promotional events and activities.
• Establish and maintain effective links with industry representative bodies, educational institutions, and other relevant organisations.
• Liaise with learners and industry stakeholders to ensure programmes meet training needs.
• Conduct skills needs analyses with local enterprises and develop training programmes to address identified skills gaps.
• Promote enterprise engagement on behalf of KWETB.
• Carry out surveys and skills analyses with industry sectors.
• Work with existing community training programmes and assist in establishing new programmes where required.
• Evaluate business plans and applications for the establishment of new programmes.
• Monitor community-related training in line with agreed procedures.
• Monitor financial expenditure in accordance with agreed procedures.
• Promote all KWETB Further Education and Training services to employers to enhance enterprise engagement across a range of sectors.
• Undertake new projects or initiatives in Further Education and Training on behalf of KWETB.
• Line manage staff where appropriate.
• Carry out all duties in a flexible manner and work collaboratively with staff across the service and throughout KWETB.
• Undertake any other duties required by the Chief Executive, the Director of Further Education and Training, or their delegated officer.

Competencies Required

The appointee will be required to demonstrate the following competencies in no more than 250 words per competency, relating them specifically to the post applied for.

Team Leadership

• Works with the team to facilitate high performance, setting clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues where necessary.
• Provides clear information and guidance regarding team expectations.
• Develops and implements new ways of working to achieve KWETB objectives.
• Leads by example, coaching and supporting team members.
• Promotes staff development, training, and skills enhancement.
• Demonstrates flexibility and positively contributes to organisational change.

Judgement, Analysis and Decision Making

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources.
• Considers broader implications when making decisions.
• Uses previous knowledge and experience to guide decisions.
• Makes sound decisions supported by clear reasoning.
• Develops practical solutions to problems.

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility for delivering agreed objectives.
• Successfully manages multiple projects and work activities simultaneously.
• Organises work effectively for self and others.
• Adopts a practical and results-oriented approach.
• Delegates work effectively and provides clear instructions.
• Identifies areas for improvement and develops practical solutions.
• Embraces new developments and changing work practices.
• Applies systems and processes to ensure quality.
• Promotes excellent customer service for internal and external stakeholders.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management.
• Encourages open and constructive discussions.
• Gains support by presenting information clearly and persuasively.
• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Communicates clearly, confidently, and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development

• Develops and maintains the skills and expertise required for the role.
• Understands the objectives and priorities of the role, unit, and organisation.
• Keeps up to date with developments affecting KWETB and the wider public service.
• Demonstrates expertise recognised and valued by colleagues.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level and achieve agreed objectives.
• Demonstrates resilience under pressure.
• Is trustworthy and dependable.
• Places customers at the centre of service delivery.
• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics, and integrity.

Shortlisting

KWETB reserves the right to shortlist candidates in the manner it considers most appropriate. Shortlisting will be based on the information provided in the application form.

Applicants are advised to provide a detailed and accurate account of their qualifications and experience, as applications will be assessed against predetermined criteria reflecting the skills and experience required for the role.

Citizenship Requirement

Eligibility to compete is open to:

• Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA).
• Non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit.

Candidates requiring a work permit must notify KWETB as soon as possible and before commencing employment.

The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Swiss citizens may also apply under EU agreements.

Health and Character

Candidates under consideration for appointment will be required to:

• Complete a Health and Character Declaration.
• Complete a Garda Vetting Form.
• Provide satisfactory references.

Salary (Effective 1 June 2026)

€61,216 €62,716 €64,463 €66,218 €67,974 €69,548 €71,146 €72,702 €74,251

1st Long Service Increment: €76,910 2nd Long Service Increment: €79,582

Starting Salary

The starting salary will be at the minimum point of the appropriate salary scale and is not subject to negotiation.

Different remuneration and conditions may apply where the appointee is already serving as a Civil Servant or Public Servant immediately prior to appointment.

Please Note

• Shortlisting may apply.
• Canvassing by or on behalf of a candidate will automatically disqualify the applicant.
• Late applications will not be accepted.
• It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the application is received at the stated email address before the closing deadline.
• Applicants are advised to request a delivery receipt when submitting their application.
• Any technical difficulties encountered by the sender during submission are not the responsibility of KWETB.

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