Booklet of posters 2026

The shortlisted award summaries are available to view below, showcasing the outstanding entries recognised this year. We’re delighted to celebrate the exceptional talent and achievement of all shortlisted nominees and look forward to hearing the winners announced at the gradireland Graduate Recruitment Awards night this Thursday 30th April in the Mansion House, Dublin.

AHECS Awards 2026 – Full summary of shortlists

While not every entry could be included in the final shortlists, we believe all submissions deserve recognition for their merit and contribution. To that end, we are pleased to share “Beyond the Shortlists,” which brings together these entries.

AHECS Employability Awards 2026 – Beyond the Shortlists

Photos from the night

The 2026 AHECS Employability Awards will open for submissions on Monday 26th January until Monday 16th March.

Submissions are invited over four categories:

1. Building Effective Partnerships
2. Supporting Student/Graduate Employability
3. Strategic Innovation
4. Research Informed Practice

PDF versions of each submission form can be downloaded below however official submissions must be made via the links circulated by email. Please contact admin@ahecs.ie if you need the links sent again.

Submission Form for the AHECS Building Effective Partnerships Award 2026

Submission Form for the AHECS Strategic Innovation Award 2026

Submission Form for the AHECS Research Informed Practice Award 2026

Submission Form for the AHECS Supporting Student Graduate Employability Award 2026

The winners will be announced at the gradireland Graduate Recruitment Awards in the Mansion House, Dublin on Thursday 30th April 2026.

We are delighted to welcome the four judges back for 2026:

1. Paul Vance, KPMG
2. Leslee O’Loughlin, Enterprise Mobility
3. Fiona Doherty, gradireland
4. Judy Murphy, former Head of Service South East Technological University Carlow and Accredited Coach

Wishing all entrants the very best of luck!