The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a public call for proposals aimed at enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of various stakeholders in the forestry sector through training projects. The call, known as Forestry Skills Training 2024-2025, comprises two distinct modules targeting different groups within the industry.
Module 1 is designed to provide training for students enrolled in full-time forestry programs at QQI Level 5 and above, while Module 2 is geared towards forestry professionals and individuals currently working or considering a career in the sector. The DAFM anticipates funding up to three proposals per module, totaling six projects annually, with a maximum budget of €50,000 per project.
The Department has indicated that additional projects may be considered for grant aid in a given year as long as they do not exceed the available annual budget. Both modules share the same set of training priorities, and the DAFM has extended an invitation for applications from any interested group or individual.
The specified training priorities include Environmental Compliance, Forest Operator Skills, Forest Protection and Health, Health and Safety, Sustainable Forest Management, Climate Mitigation and Adaptation of Forests (including timber), Forestry Legislation, and Forest Technology. Detailed information, as well as the application form, can be accessed on the DAFM’s website under the section ‘Call for Proposals Forestry Skills Training 2024-2025’.
Interested parties can submit their applications via email to [email protected], with the deadline set for 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Minister of State at the DAFM, Senator Pippa Hackett, announced the call for project proposals today, emphasizing the critical role of skills training in maintaining the safety, productivity, and environmental stewardship of the forestry industry.
“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,” stated Minister Hackett. She highlighted that investing in forestry skills training aligns with the principles of sustainable forest management and plays a vital role in enhancing worker competence while reducing the likelihood of workplace injuries.
Minister Hackett’s remarks underscore the significance of ongoing education and development within the forestry sector, emphasizing the importance of upholding industry standards and environmental conservation practices. The call for proposals represents a proactive step towards fostering a skilled and responsible workforce that can effectively address the challenges and opportunities facing the forestry industry.
As the deadline for submissions approaches, stakeholders are encouraged to carefully review the training priorities and guidelines outlined by the DAFM to ensure that their proposals align with the overarching objectives of the Forestry Skills Training initiative. By supporting innovative and impactful projects, the Department aims to strengthen the sector’s capacity and resilience, paving the way for a sustainable and thriving forestry industry in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Forestry Skills Training 2024-2025 initiative presents a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute to the advancement of forestry practices and professional development in Ireland. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to excellence in training, the industry can continue to evolve and adapt to meet the evolving demands of a changing environment and marketplace.
