Minister Hackett announces Open Call for proposals for Forestry Skills Training 2024 - 2025
- Published on: 16 September 2024
- Last updated on: 11 October 2024
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has today announced a public call for proposals for training projects that will expand the knowledge and capacity of various groups in the forestry sector. Targeted groups include forestry students in higher level education, registered foresters and forestry contractors.
Announcing the Call, Minister of State Hackett said:
“As part of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 we are funding projects and proposals that will cover a wide range of skills training, based on the needs of the forestry sector, and as outlined in our eight Training Priorities. Appropriate skills training is essential to ensure the forestry industry continues to be safe and productive, and also to ensure that the industry continues to manage the environment in a responsible manner.”
This call has two modules, each targeting a different group within the forestry sector. Module 1 will be aimed at training students registered on full-time forestry programmes at QQI Level 5 and above, while module 2 is for proposals aimed at training forestry professionals and others working or considering working within the forestry sector. It is expected that three proposals per module, for a total of six projects at a maximum of €50,000 per project, will be funded per annum. More than six projects may be considered for grant aid each year where the total available annual budget is not exceeded.
Applications are invited from any group or individual. Projects should meet one of the eight training priorities identified, which are listed below:
1. Environmental Compliance
2. Forest Operator Skills
3. Forest Protection and Forest Health
4. Health and Safety
5. Sustainable Forest Management
6. Climate Mitigation and Adaptation of Forests, including timber
7. Forestry Legislation
8. Forest Technology
The training priorities are the same for both modules. This competitive process is open to all, and applications are sought from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible, to cover each of the Training Priorities.
The Minister continued:
“Investment in forestry skills training will ultimately contribute to the goals of sustainable forest management. It will also ensure workers are trained to a high standard while reducing their risk of injury. This round of funding for forestry training reflects Government’s commitment to a sustainable and diverse industry with the skills capacity to deliver on its enormous potential for the environment, for local communities and for the wider rural economy.”
ENDS
Notes for Editor:
· The Specification Document and application form are available to view at Call for Proposal for Forestry Skills Training
· Applications may be emailed to ForestrySkillsTraining@agriculture.gov.ie
· The closing date for applications is 5pm on 29 October 2024