John O’NEILL is a project manager with responsibility for programme and policy development in SOLAS (Further Education and Training Authority). A post graduate of Sheffield University he holds an EdD and Masters in Education, Training and Development. He has been involved in vocational education and training since 1983. His career in the Further Education and Training sector has involved the design and delivery of training for the employed and unemployed; management and development of community based training interventions; working with the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) in the establishment of national common award standards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ); managing the development of training programmes, leading to FETAC major awards, for delivery by all community based SOLAS funded training providers. He has also worked on the development of Quality Assurance policy and procedures to meet Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) requirements. His work in programme and policy development has primarily focused on ensuring the effective provision of suitable education and training opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged adults.
