Empowering the Workforce of the Future

Research shows that for graduates to thrive in today’s workplace, they need clear career direction, strong managerial support, and the ability to build communication skills and resilience.

At Ibec Academy, we understand that graduates are values-driven professionals who seek a strong work/life balance while making a meaningful impact in their careers.

With over 35 years of experience in graduate development, our Graduate Development Programme is designed to equip participants with the essential skills to succeed. Tailored to meet your business needs, the programme is accredited in partnership with TU Dublin, providing professional development qualification for your graduates.

Why Choose Ibec Academy?

Real-World Business Impact

Graduates work on a live business project, applying their skills in a practical setting and gaining hands-on experience that directly benefits their career growth and the business

Comprehensive Skills

The programme develops key competencies in leadership, communication, resilience, commercial awareness and work ready skills, with additional training available for managers to help them manage and lead the graduates in their teams

Professional Qualification for your People

Graduates receive a recognised university award from TU Dublin, that enhances their career prospects

Future Leadership Roles

We work with you to ensure the programme design reflects business priorities, positioning your graduates for future leadership roles

Build your Employer Brand

By offering a structured graduate programme, we help you to build your employer brand among graduates

Key Areas of Development

Commercial Awareness

Understand the broader business landscape, hybrid
working and market dynamics

Leadership & Decision-Making

Build confidence to take the initiative and lead with impact

Communication & Collaboration

Strengthen interpersonal skills for workplace success
and strong relationships 

Time & Performance Management

Enhance efficiency and effectiveness in professional settings

Resillience & Growth Mindset

Develop self awareness, adaptability and emotional intelligence

Strategic Thinking & Innovation

Learn to solve problems and drive organisational success

Diversity, Inclusion, AI & ESG

Stay ahead with emerging industry trends

Ibec Academy

We know Graduates

 

Programme Schedule

Module 1

Professional Competence / Commercial Awareness

Module 2

Leadership and Employee Engagement

Module 3

Communication and Influencing

Module 4

Team Working

Module 5

Project Management

Module 6

Performance & People

Module 7

Time Management, Assertiveness & Conflict

Module 8

Motivation

Module 9

Presentation Skills

Module 10

Financial Skills

Module 11

Decision Making

Module 12

Communication and Influencing

Business Improvement Project

Individual Assignment

Work on a real project from within the business, applying the learning and suggesting a way forward.

Assessment: Open/Closed Book Exam 60%

Project: (3,500-5,000 Words) 30%

Learning Journal/Personal Development Plan: 10%

Case Study: Business Improvement Project in Action

Benefits to the Business

  • Provides senior management with insights into how those in their early careers would look at a current challenge, suggesting a new way forward.
  • Fosters innovative thinking, enhances problem-solving within the organisation, and equips graduates with practical skills to identify and implement impactful business improvements.

Benefits to the Graduate

  • Engaging with real scenarios builds confidence, sharpens collaboration skills and fosters a proactive mindset—essential qualities for professional growth and leadership in any organisation
  • Develops problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, while gaining real world business insights and confidence in driving improvements.

 

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Customer Testimonials

Our 2-year Graduate Programme nurtures talent, fosters fresh perspectives, and builds a pipeline of future leaders. A key element is the 6-month Ibec Diploma in Professional Competence, which broadens graduates’ business and leadership insights, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to transition into more expansive roles.

Anne Smith

Group Head of Talent, Lakeland Dairies

"We have enjoyed working on several programmes with Ibec focused on professional development at various levels, from our graduates to managers. The course customisation and consultations ensure that we are targeting competencies and skills that are aligned with our values and business objectives and delivered in a meaningful way to our team."

Taylor Hanson

Training & Development Coordinator, Glenveagh Properties

"We really value the partnership that we have formed with Ibec Academy to develop forward thinking and inspired graduates.
It has been an incredible benefit for our graduates from networking with their fellow CRH colleagues to developing key management skills, all the while being guided by seasoned experts from Ibec
Academy.”

Aoife Newman

HR Graduate Manager, Roadstone Ltd

 

Participant Testimonials

“The Diploma in Professional Competence really helped to develop the skills it takes to become an effective leader. As a result of these learnings, I now have the confidence to influence others as well as being able to understand how to reach objectives through proper team planning and organisations”.

Alvin Johnson

Production Graduate, North Cork Creameries 

 

Meet the Team

Fintan Ryan   

As a qualified Life & Business Coach, Fintan has over 28 years experience in designing and facilitating training and development courses and coaching Individuals and Teams at all levels in a variety of organisations. He is one of the most experienced Facilitators of experiential programmes in Ireland having worked with teams and individuals since 1989.   

He also has a wealth of experience in delivering developmental courses on a wide range of subjects to different audiences and therefore makes every learning experience relevant to the work environment. His style of delivery is challenging, inspirational and results focused.   

Matthew Tye 

Matthew, with extensive industry experience, transitioned from operational management to learning and development, joining Ibec in 2007. He has a strong reputation for delivering impactful graduate programmes.


Known for challenging early-career professionals, he helps them build on strengths, unlock leadership potential, and achieve breakthrough results through insightful questioning and tailored development initiatives. 

 

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Elevate your Graduate Talent

Lets design a programme that aligns with your business needs and empowers your graduates. 

Contact us today to discuss how Ibec Academy can support your organisation in developing the next generation of leaders.

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