News and Events
UCC Programme Shortlisted for National Excellence in Learning Award
University College Cork (UCC) and BioPharmaChem Skillnet are delighted to announce that their collaborative programme, the Certificate in CPD: Neurodiversity in the Workplace, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 L&DI Excellence in Learning Awards.
This recognition highlights the groundbreaking work being done to build inclusive workplace cultures within the biopharmachem sector, industries which are projected to create over 10,000 new jobs in Ireland in the coming years.
The 12-week, level 8, university-accredited programme is the first of its kind globally. Tailored to these sectors the programme was created in response to industry demand for better understanding and support for neurodivergent employees, including those with ADHD and autism. It combines expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, and practical assignments to equip professionals with strategies to foster inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and retention practices.
The programme was developed with diverse individuals in mind, all content is designed to be accessible, and 50% of the teaching team are neurodivergent themselves, ensuring that lived experience is at the heart of the learning journey. It was also designed and developed with direct input from the BioPharmaChem sector to ensure its relevance and real-world application.
Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Graduates have reported greater confidence in developing inclusive policies, establishing DEI departments, and transforming their workplaces to better support neurodivergent colleagues:
The 12-week Neurodiversity in the Workplace course was invaluable in enhancing my role as an HR Business Partner. It provided practical strategies to support neurodivergent Colleagues and integrate neuroinclusive principles into our Inclusion & Belonging roadmap. The interactive sessions deepened my understanding of workplace accommodations, recruitment best practices, and inclusive leadership training. This course has strengthened my ability to drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive workplace where all employees thrive. I highly recommend it to HR professionals our Senior Leaders committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
A great programme to get a much needed awareness of neurodiversity, the real value neurodiverse individuals bring to an organisation and the accommodations to help integrate neurodiverse employees into the workforce
The shortlisting celebrates not only the quality of the course content and delivery, but the collective effort of educators, industry leaders, and committed learners striving to build a more equitable future of work.
We are honoured by this national recognition and extend our congratulations to all those shortlisted.
If you would like to learn more about this programme or express your interest in the attending the next intake, please visit: https://bpcskillnet.ie/introduction-to-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/