The 2026 Education Awards, which recognise and celebrate excellence in the third-level education sector, took place recently. Of the over 60 finalists in 27 categories, University College Cork (UCC) was represented by six and was delighted to win three awards in the Apprenticeships, Innovative Access to Higher Education, and Master's Programme categories.

Healthy UCC has launched the pilot Sun Smart Initiative, with suncream dispenser boards installed in five locations across campus: The Hub, the Mardyke Pavillion, Western Gateway Building, North Mall Enterprise Centre and the Student Centre. With skin cancer the most common type of cancer in Ireland today, the initiative ensures that suncream is available on campus for students, staff and the wider community to use when needed. The Initiative is a collaboration between the HSE and UCC.  

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, today announced a new and exciting Social Care apprenticeship, which will provide 55 additional training places for social care workers from September 2026.

This week, over 40 apprentices from the inaugural cohort of the  Social Work Apprenticeship will graduate from their two-year programme with a Master of Social Work. This apprenticeship offers multiple entry routes, including opportunities for people without a previous university qualification, but who have sufficient relevant experience, either paid, voluntary or lived.