The establishment of new upskilling and talent development learning programmes for professionals in the Dairy sector was announced on Monday by University College Cork (UCC) and Taste 4 Success Skillnet. 

Responding to the evolving needs of the dairy sector, and harnessing the world-class capabilities across the University, UCC is launching Post Graduate Diploma and Master qualifications in Dairy Technology & Innovation.

A blended, flexible, part time pathways model for specialised lifelong learning for dairy professionals, will contribute to the demands of industry for highly skilled talent in the sector.

The learning model, which is highly innovative and allows students to attain stackable qualifications in Diary Technology & Innovation, will support the dairy industry, which is Ireland’s largest indigenous enterprise, worth c.€16bn and providing employment to c.85,0000 people.

The learning pathways, allow employees working in the sector to access these world-class, research-underpinned, post-graduate (NFQ Level 9) qualifications on a blended, flexible, part-time basis. 

Dairy is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, worth about €16bn in economic value across the island and provides employment to about 85,000 people.

UCC has a long history in Dairy Science education, research, and training, and is the top University for Dairy Science in Ireland. The Food Science and Nutritional Sciences programmes at UCC, located within the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS), are the main providers of graduates for the dairy sector.

Introduction of these new industry-led academic programmes, in partnership with Skillnet Ireland consolidates UCC’s leadership role in Dairy Science education, training and research.