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{{Short description|Irish professional education provider}}
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'''UCD Professional Academy''' is a professional education provider and a wholly owned subsidiary of [[University College Dublin]] in Ireland, headquartered at the university’s Belfield campus in Dublin 4.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gruenewald |first=Hazel |url=https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Reskilling_and_Upskilling_in_a_Globalize/559wEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PA201&printsec=frontcover |title=Reskilling and Upskilling in a Globalized Economy: Essential Strategies for Workforce Transformation |last2=Mueller |first2=Maren |date=2025-07-12 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-658-48384-5 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=UCD Professional Academy Credentials |url=https://certifications.ucdpa.ie/issuer/10003482/credentials |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=certifications.ucdpa.ie |language=en}}</ref> The academy offers short courses, professional certificates, and diploma programmes in continuing professional education and workforce training.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Antunes |first=Juracy |url=https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Navigating_Ireland_Building_Your_Dream_C/10Y9EQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PT88&printsec=frontcover |title=Navigating Ireland – Building Your Dream Career |date=2024-12-02 |publisher=Mário Brito Publicaçoes |isbn=978-989-586-023-4 |language=en}}</ref> It provides part-time programmes for working professionals and organisations.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |title=Part-Time Evening Courses for Professionals |url=https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/}}</ref>
'''UCD Professional Academy''' is a professional education provider and a wholly owned subsidiary of [[University College Dublin]] in Ireland, headquartered at the university’s Belfield campus in Dublin 4.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gruenewald |first=Hazel |url=https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Reskilling_and_Upskilling_in_a_Globalize/559wEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PA201&printsec=frontcover |title=Reskilling and Upskilling in a Globalized Economy: Essential Strategies for Workforce Transformation |last2=Mueller |first2=Maren |date=2025-07-12 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-658-48384-5 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=UCD Professional Academy Credentials |url=https://certifications.ucdpa.ie/issuer/10003482/credentials |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=certifications.ucdpa.ie |language=en}}</ref> The academy offers short courses, professional certificates, and diploma programmes in continuing professional education and workforce training.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Antunes |first=Juracy |url=https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Navigating_Ireland_Building_Your_Dream_C/10Y9EQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PT88&printsec=frontcover |title=Navigating Ireland – Building Your Dream Career |date=2024-12-02 |publisher=Mário Brito Publicaçoes |isbn=978-989-586-023-4 |language=en}}</ref> It provides part-time programmes for working professionals and organisations.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |title=Part-Time Evening Courses for Professionals |url=https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/}}</ref>
== Overview ==
UCD Professional Academy operates within [[University College Dublin]] and delivers continuing education programmes. It does not offer undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes. The academy provides part-time courses for professional development and skills training.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Slattery |first=Laura |title=Demand for upskilling courses high but costs remain biggest barrier, says report |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2022/10/27/demand-for-upskilling-courses-high-but-costs-remain-biggest-barrier-says-report/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Kitson |first=Niall |date=2023-11-23 |title=UCD report finds many employers still do not provide upskilling opportunities |url=https://www.techcentral.ie/ucd-report-finds-many-employers-still-do-not-provide-upskilling-opportunities-for-employees/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=TechCentral.ie |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Programmes are delivered in online, blended, and in-person formats at the Belfield campus in Dublin.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":24">{{Cite web |date=2021-07-09 |title=UCD Professional Certificate/Diploma in Creativity & Innovation for Education |url=https://www.innovationacademy.ie/courses/ucd-professional-certificate-diploma-in-creativity-innovation-for-education/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=UCD Innovation Academy |language=en-US}}</ref> Courses include short programmes and Professional diplomas taught by industry practitioners and subject matter experts.<ref name=":1" />
More than 40,000 learners have enrolled in its programmes, and over 2,000 organisations have used its training services.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=UCD Professional Academy: Corporate Programmes for Professional Development 2021 |url=https://a.storyblok.com/f/96206/x/35f11b19a2/ucd-professional-academy-corporate-04212.pdf |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=UCD Professional Academy |publisher=[[University College Dublin]]}}</ref>
The qualifications awarded are generally not part of Ireland’s [[National Framework of Qualifications]] (NFQ) and are issued as professional certifications rather than academic degrees.<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |title=NFQ Qualification |url=https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/qualification |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=knowledge.ucdpa.ie |language=en}}</ref>
== History ==
[[University College Dublin]] established the UCD Professional Academy in 2019 to expand its provision of professional and executive education. The academy began operations in 2020.
The academy operates as a subsidiary University College Dublin and is separate from the university’s academic schools.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-16 |title=UCD Professional Academy Diplomas |url=https://www.lhpskillnet.ie/courses/ucd-professional-academy |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=LHP Skillnet |language=en-GB}}</ref> During the COVID-19 pandemic, it shifted most programme delivery online.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=John |date=2023-04-13 |title=My Business Life: Aaron McKenna UCD Professional Academy |url=https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/my-business-life-aaron-mckenna-ucd-professional-academy/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=ThinkBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref> It later expanded course offerings in areas including [[data analytics]], [[artificial intelligence]], [[Computer security|cybersecurity]], and [[digital transformation]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Upskill to upscale: Meeting the need to create an AI-ready workforce |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/02/19/upskill-to-upscale-meeting-the-need-to-create-an-ai-ready-workforce/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref>
By 2023, more than 25,000 learners were enrolled across its programmes.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=O’Dea |first=Blathnaid |date=14 September 2023 |title=UCD Professional Academy is shaping Ireland’s workforce |url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/ucd-professional-academy-shaping-ireland-workforce |website=Siliconrepublic.com|access-date=2026-06-17}}</ref> In 2022, the academy introduced a revised brand identity framework across its communications.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |title=UCD Professional Academy: Momentum Unleashed |url=https://www.100archive.com/projects/ucd-professional-academy-momentum-unleashed |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=100 Archive |language=en}}</ref>
In 2024, John Delves was appointed chief executive officer of UCD Professional Academy and UCD English Language Academy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haugh |first=Ben |date=January 31, 2024 |title=Former Digicel boss John Delves appointed chief executive of UCD academies |url=https://www.businesspost.ie/news/former-digicel-boss-john-delves-appointed-chief-executive-of-ucd-academies/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Business Post |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New and notable appointments at UCD Professional Academy |url=https://businessandfinance.com/news/new-and-notable-appointments-at-ucd-professional-academy-rdj-grant-thornton-and-mccann-fitzgerald-llp/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Business & Finance}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Mc Gowran |first=Leigh |date=2024-01-31 |title=John Delves becomes UCD Professional Academy CEO |url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/john-delves-become-ucd-professional-academy-ceo |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Siliconrepublic.com}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=John |date=2025-10-16 |title=John Delves: Upskilling in the AI age |url=https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/john-delves-ucd-professional-academy-podcast-upskilling-career-survival-ai-age/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=ThinkBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Academic ==
UCD Professional Academy offers career development through a range of Professional Academy Diplomas.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":26" /><ref name=":19">{{Cite web |title=UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance |url=https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=knowledge.ucdpa.ie |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Paul O’Connell delivers keynote as UCD Professional Academy launches new 'Skill Sprints' |url=https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/paul-oconnell-delivers-keynote-as-ucd-professional-academy-launches-new-skill-sprints/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Limerick's Live 95 |language=en}}</ref> Subject areas include:<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite web |title=UCD Professional Academy Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business |url=https://www.thecplinstitute.ie/staff-development/ucd-professional-academy-diploma-in-artificial-intelligence-for-business/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=CPL Institute |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=UCD Talent Connection event highlights critical role of AI skills in Ireland’s economic future |url=https://www.sas.com/en_gb/news/press-releases/2025/december/ucd-talent-connection-event-highlights-ai-skills.html |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Sas.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Courses in Ireland |url=https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/top-courses/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=UCD Professional Academy |language=en}}</ref>
* Data analytics and data science
* Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
* Business and project management
* Human resources management
* Finance and accounting
* Software development and cybersecurity
* Leadership and organisational development
Programmes are designed for part-time study and are delivered over periods ranging from several weeks to a few months. Some courses are structured as professional diplomas requiring completion of multiple modules.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":25">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Paul O'Connell helps launch Skill Sprints: short, focused, high-impact learning |url=https://businessplus.ie/media-plus/paul-oconnell-skill-sprints/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Businessplus.ie |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2021-04-21 |title=UCD Professional Academy, SAS launch job seekers programme |url=https://www.techcentral.ie/ucd-professional-academy-sas-launch-job-seekers-programme/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=TechCentral.ie |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Most diploma programs average approximately 36 hours in duration and are designed to provide practical workplace skills. The academy structures its programmes to allow participants to combine study with full-time employment.<ref name=":24" />
Assessment methods vary by course and may include assignments, projects, and practical assessments, with an emphasis on applied skills and workplace relevance.
== Corporate and executive education ==
UCD Professional Academy provides training services to corporate and public sector organisations. It develops customised training programmes in areas such as management, technology, and digital transformation.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=eolas |date=2021-04-27 |title=UCD Professional Academy: How Upskilling Can Help Your Organisation Retain Staff |url=https://www.eolasmagazine.ie/ucd-professional-academy-how-upskilling-can-help-your-organisation-retain-staff/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Eolas Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-29 |title=Irish workforce interested in upskilling |url=https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/upskilling-irish-workforce-ucd/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Thinkbusiness.ie |language=en-US}}</ref>
Organisations that have used its training programmes include [[Aer Lingus]], [[An Post]], [[SAP]], [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]], the [[Health Service Executive]], and [[Institution of Engineers of Ireland|Engineers Ireland]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":10" /> It has also delivered training programmes on the [[gender pay gap]] for [[human resources]] and compliance professionals.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-15 |title=UCD Professional Academy Tackles New Gender Pay Gap Reporting with New Masterclass |url=https://irishtechnews.ie/ucd-new-gender-pay-gap-masterclass/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |language=en-US|website=Irish Tech News}}</ref>
It has also hosted forums on workforce development and professional education.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cahill |first=Cormac |date=2024-09-26 |title=UCD Professional Academy launches new LEAD Forum |url=https://businessplus.ie/news/lead-forum-ucd-professional-academy/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Businessplus.ie |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Publications ==
UCD Professional Academy publishes reports on workforce development, skills gaps, and continuing education in Ireland.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Jack |date=2023-11-23 |title=Cost a barrier to interest in upskilling among Irish workforce, survey finds |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41275681.html |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":13" />
Its publications include materials on workplace learning and organisational development, including guidance on psychological safety in learning environments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Creating Psychological Safety for Employee Upskilling |url=https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/resources/creating-psychological-safety-for-employee-upskilling/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=UCD Professional Academy |language=en}}</ref>
Annual reports examine participation in professional education, barriers to training, and employer engagement in workforce development.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Goodbody |first=Will |date=2023-11-23 |title=42% of employers still don't offer upskilling to staff |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/1123/1418020-42-of-employers-still-dont-offer-upskilling-to-staff/ |journal=[[RTÉ]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morahan |first=George |date=2022-10-27 |title=Upskilling Doubled Right Courses |url=https://businessplus.ie/news/upskilling-doubled-right-courses/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Businessplus.ie |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In 2024, the academy published ''Tackling Digital Transformation in Healthcare'', which examines digital skills development in Ireland’s healthcare sector.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-25 |title=New UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for digital transformation in Irish healthcare sector - Irish Tech News |url=https://irishtechnews.ie/ucd-report-digital-transformation-irish-health/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Maginnis |first=Robyn |date=2025-02-06 |title=UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for upskilling |url=https://irishpharmacynews.ie/ucd-professional-academy-report-demonstrates-the-need-for-upskilling-in-irish-healthcare-sector/ |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=Irish Pharmacy News |language=en-GB}}</ref>


== Accreditation ==
== Accreditation ==
UCD Professional Academy operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of [[University College Dublin]]. Its programmes are designed for professional upskilling and do not lead to bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
UCD Professional Academy operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of [[University College Dublin]]. Its programmes are designed for professional upskilling and do not lead to bachelor’s or master’s degrees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance |url=https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy |access-date=2026-06-17 |website=knowledge.ucdpa.ie |language=en}}</ref>


Programmes are generally not included within the [[National Framework of Qualifications]] in Ireland. They are awarded as professional certificates or diplomas issued by the UCD Professional Academy. These qualifications are intended for continuing professional development rather than academic progression within formal degree pathways.
Programmes are generally not included within the [[National Framework of Qualifications]] in Ireland. They are awarded as professional certificates or diplomas issued by the UCD Professional Academy.<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":21" /> These qualifications are intended for continuing professional development rather than academic progression within formal degree pathways.<ref name=":24" />


== References ==
== References ==
Line 35: Line 85:
== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/ Official website]
*[https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/ Official website]
[[Category:University College Dublin]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 2019]]
[[Category:2019 establishments in Ireland]]
[[Category:Educational organisations based in the Republic of Ireland]]

Revision as of 15:12, 27 July 2026

Template:Short description Template:Infobox university

UCD Professional Academy is a professional education provider and a wholly owned subsidiary of University College Dublin in Ireland, headquartered at the university’s Belfield campus in Dublin 4.[1][2] The academy offers short courses, professional certificates, and diploma programmes in continuing professional education and workforce training.[3] It provides part-time programmes for working professionals and organisations.[4]

Overview

UCD Professional Academy operates within University College Dublin and delivers continuing education programmes. It does not offer undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes. The academy provides part-time courses for professional development and skills training.[5][6]

Programmes are delivered in online, blended, and in-person formats at the Belfield campus in Dublin.[5][7] Courses include short programmes and Professional diplomas taught by industry practitioners and subject matter experts.[3]

More than 40,000 learners have enrolled in its programmes, and over 2,000 organisations have used its training services.[8]

The qualifications awarded are generally not part of Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and are issued as professional certifications rather than academic degrees.[7][9]

History

University College Dublin established the UCD Professional Academy in 2019 to expand its provision of professional and executive education. The academy began operations in 2020.

The academy operates as a subsidiary University College Dublin and is separate from the university’s academic schools.[10] During the COVID-19 pandemic, it shifted most programme delivery online.[11] It later expanded course offerings in areas including data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.[3][12]

By 2023, more than 25,000 learners were enrolled across its programmes.[5][13] In 2022, the academy introduced a revised brand identity framework across its communications.[14]

In 2024, John Delves was appointed chief executive officer of UCD Professional Academy and UCD English Language Academy.[15][16][17][18]

Academic

UCD Professional Academy offers career development through a range of Professional Academy Diplomas.[3][4][19][20] Subject areas include:[12][21][22][23]

  • Data analytics and data science
  • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
  • Business and project management
  • Human resources management
  • Finance and accounting
  • Software development and cybersecurity
  • Leadership and organisational development

Programmes are designed for part-time study and are delivered over periods ranging from several weeks to a few months. Some courses are structured as professional diplomas requiring completion of multiple modules.[22][24][25]

Most diploma programs average approximately 36 hours in duration and are designed to provide practical workplace skills. The academy structures its programmes to allow participants to combine study with full-time employment.[7]

Assessment methods vary by course and may include assignments, projects, and practical assessments, with an emphasis on applied skills and workplace relevance.

Corporate and executive education

UCD Professional Academy provides training services to corporate and public sector organisations. It develops customised training programmes in areas such as management, technology, and digital transformation.[26][27]

Organisations that have used its training programmes include Aer Lingus, An Post, SAP, Amazon, the Health Service Executive, and Engineers Ireland.[13][26] It has also delivered training programmes on the gender pay gap for human resources and compliance professionals.[28]

It has also hosted forums on workforce development and professional education.[29]

Publications

UCD Professional Academy publishes reports on workforce development, skills gaps, and continuing education in Ireland.[30][27]

Its publications include materials on workplace learning and organisational development, including guidance on psychological safety in learning environments.[31]

Annual reports examine participation in professional education, barriers to training, and employer engagement in workforce development.[30][32][6][33]

In 2024, the academy published Tackling Digital Transformation in Healthcare, which examines digital skills development in Ireland’s healthcare sector.[34][35]

Accreditation

UCD Professional Academy operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of University College Dublin. Its programmes are designed for professional upskilling and do not lead to bachelor’s or master’s degrees.[36]

Programmes are generally not included within the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland. They are awarded as professional certificates or diplomas issued by the UCD Professional Academy.[7][9] These qualifications are intended for continuing professional development rather than academic progression within formal degree pathways.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Gruenewald, Hazel; Mueller, Maren (2025-07-12) (in en). Reskilling and Upskilling in a Globalized Economy: Essential Strategies for Workforce Transformation. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-658-48384-5. https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Reskilling_and_Upskilling_in_a_Globalize/559wEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PA201&printsec=frontcover. 
  2. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Credentials" (in en). https://certifications.ucdpa.ie/issuer/10003482/credentials. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Antunes, Juracy (2024-12-02) (in en). Navigating Ireland – Building Your Dream Career. Mário Brito Publicaçoes. ISBN 978-989-586-023-4. https://www.google.com.pk/books/edition/Navigating_Ireland_Building_Your_Dream_C/10Y9EQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=UCD+Professional+Academy&pg=PT88&printsec=frontcover. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Part-Time Evening Courses for Professionals". https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Slattery, Laura. "Demand for upskilling courses high but costs remain biggest barrier, says report" (in en). https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2022/10/27/demand-for-upskilling-courses-high-but-costs-remain-biggest-barrier-says-report/. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Kitson, Niall (2023-11-23). "UCD report finds many employers still do not provide upskilling opportunities" (in en-GB). https://www.techcentral.ie/ucd-report-finds-many-employers-still-do-not-provide-upskilling-opportunities-for-employees/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "UCD Professional Certificate/Diploma in Creativity & Innovation for Education" (in en-US). 2021-07-09. https://www.innovationacademy.ie/courses/ucd-professional-certificate-diploma-in-creativity-innovation-for-education/. 
  8. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy: Corporate Programmes for Professional Development 2021". University College Dublin. https://a.storyblok.com/f/96206/x/35f11b19a2/ucd-professional-academy-corporate-04212.pdf. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "NFQ Qualification" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/qualification. 
  10. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Diplomas" (in en-GB). 2024-05-16. https://www.lhpskillnet.ie/courses/ucd-professional-academy. 
  11. ↑ Kennedy, John (2023-04-13). "My Business Life: Aaron McKenna UCD Professional Academy" (in en-US). https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/my-business-life-aaron-mckenna-ucd-professional-academy/. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Upskill to upscale: Meeting the need to create an AI-ready workforce" (in en). https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/02/19/upskill-to-upscale-meeting-the-need-to-create-an-ai-ready-workforce/. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 O’Dea, Blathnaid (14 September 2023). "UCD Professional Academy is shaping Ireland’s workforce". https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/ucd-professional-academy-shaping-ireland-workforce. 
  14. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy: Momentum Unleashed" (in en). https://www.100archive.com/projects/ucd-professional-academy-momentum-unleashed. 
  15. ↑ Haugh, Ben (January 31, 2024). "Former Digicel boss John Delves appointed chief executive of UCD academies" (in en-GB). https://www.businesspost.ie/news/former-digicel-boss-john-delves-appointed-chief-executive-of-ucd-academies/. 
  16. ↑ "New and notable appointments at UCD Professional Academy". https://businessandfinance.com/news/new-and-notable-appointments-at-ucd-professional-academy-rdj-grant-thornton-and-mccann-fitzgerald-llp/. 
  17. ↑ Mc Gowran, Leigh (2024-01-31). "John Delves becomes UCD Professional Academy CEO". https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/john-delves-become-ucd-professional-academy-ceo. 
  18. ↑ Kennedy, John (2025-10-16). "John Delves: Upskilling in the AI age" (in en-US). https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/john-delves-ucd-professional-academy-podcast-upskilling-career-survival-ai-age/. 
  19. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy. 
  20. ↑ "Paul O’Connell delivers keynote as UCD Professional Academy launches new 'Skill Sprints'" (in en). https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/paul-oconnell-delivers-keynote-as-ucd-professional-academy-launches-new-skill-sprints/. 
  21. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business" (in en-GB). https://www.thecplinstitute.ie/staff-development/ucd-professional-academy-diploma-in-artificial-intelligence-for-business/. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "UCD Talent Connection event highlights critical role of AI skills in Ireland’s economic future" (in en-GB). https://www.sas.com/en_gb/news/press-releases/2025/december/ucd-talent-connection-event-highlights-ai-skills.html. 
  23. ↑ "Online Courses in Ireland" (in en). https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/findyourcourse/top-courses/. 
  24. ↑ "Paul O'Connell helps launch Skill Sprints: short, focused, high-impact learning" (in en-GB). 2025-10-09. https://businessplus.ie/media-plus/paul-oconnell-skill-sprints/. 
  25. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy, SAS launch job seekers programme" (in en-GB). 2021-04-21. https://www.techcentral.ie/ucd-professional-academy-sas-launch-job-seekers-programme/. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 eolas (2021-04-27). "UCD Professional Academy: How Upskilling Can Help Your Organisation Retain Staff" (in en-GB). https://www.eolasmagazine.ie/ucd-professional-academy-how-upskilling-can-help-your-organisation-retain-staff/. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Irish workforce interested in upskilling" (in en-US). 2023-11-29. https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/upskilling-irish-workforce-ucd/. 
  28. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Tackles New Gender Pay Gap Reporting with New Masterclass" (in en-US). 2025-07-15. https://irishtechnews.ie/ucd-new-gender-pay-gap-masterclass/. 
  29. ↑ Cahill, Cormac (2024-09-26). "UCD Professional Academy launches new LEAD Forum" (in en-GB). https://businessplus.ie/news/lead-forum-ucd-professional-academy/. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 White, Jack (2023-11-23). "Cost a barrier to interest in upskilling among Irish workforce, survey finds" (in en). https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41275681.html. 
  31. ↑ "Creating Psychological Safety for Employee Upskilling" (in en). https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/resources/creating-psychological-safety-for-employee-upskilling/. 
  32. ↑ Goodbody, Will (2023-11-23). "42% of employers still don't offer upskilling to staff" (in en). RTÉ. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/1123/1418020-42-of-employers-still-dont-offer-upskilling-to-staff/. 
  33. ↑ Morahan, George (2022-10-27). "Upskilling Doubled Right Courses" (in en-GB). https://businessplus.ie/news/upskilling-doubled-right-courses/. 
  34. ↑ "New UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for digital transformation in Irish healthcare sector - Irish Tech News" (in en-US). 2024-10-25. https://irishtechnews.ie/ucd-report-digital-transformation-irish-health/. 
  35. ↑ Maginnis, Robyn (2025-02-06). "UCD Professional Academy report demonstrates the need for upskilling" (in en-GB). https://irishpharmacynews.ie/ucd-professional-academy-report-demonstrates-the-need-for-upskilling-in-irish-healthcare-sector/. 
  36. ↑ "UCD Professional Academy Awards & Governance" (in en). https://knowledge.ucdpa.ie/knowledge/ucd-professional-academy.