A NEW forwarder training course has been launched in the Republic of Ireland – in a bid to plug the forestry skills gaps. 

The programme will see budding operators try their hand on simulators at Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College, before later participating in on-the-job learning in a real-world environment. They will also attend classes at the college one day per week, along with completing industry visits. 

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Run by the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), the course is supported by Skills to Advance, a national initiative by SOLAS that provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities.

Speaking at the launch of the new course, CMETB chief executive, Dr Fiona McGrath said: “CMETB works with industry to provide courses relevant to the needs of employers. 

"CMETB met with the forestry-harvesting contractors and identified that the Skills to Advance programme was ideal to meet the skills gap that employees have in the forestry-harvesting sector. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Teagasc that ensures the skills, expertise and knowledge of both organisations are utilised in delivering this training programme.”

The launch of this course was hosted by Coillte on one of its active sites in County Laois, with both a harvester and forwarder on display. Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state forestry company, will support the forwarder course by providing working sites for field trips that are scheduled throughout the course.

Eamonn Kenny, operations director at Coillte, said: “As well as being competent at operating these machines, employees must have in-depth awareness of health and safety and protection of the environment to ensure that harvesting operations are effectively carried out.”

For more information, please contact Ballyhaise Agricultural College on Tel: 049-4338108 or Email: ballyhaisecollege@teagasc.ie