Forestry and Environment Awareness and Careers Day
THIS year Teagasc Ballyhaise College, Co Cavan is celebrating 30 years of forestry training and education. All stakeholders involved in the forestry sector agree that education and skills training play a critical role for sustainable development. Ballyhaise is the only College in Ireland providing courses to Level 5 and advanced Level 6 forestry and forest machinery operation. To mark the occasion there will be an Open Day on Thursday 10 th May to highlight opportunities in forestry and related environmental areas. There is an increasing demand for educated and skilled personnel and this is reflected in the career opportunities available to the new entrants to the industry.
On the day representatives from different forestry and environmental agencies will be present to create an awareness of their roles. They will highlight the added value opportunities for forest owners, career paths options for prospective students and information for the public.
There will be static and working demonstrations with an opportunity to interact and chat with all the relevant exhibitors from the industry, state agencies and colleges. Options relating to forestry and the environment will include climate and weather, water quality, soils, geology, wildlife, biodiversity, recreation, heritage, sustainable energy, tree care, etc. Forestry companies and consultants will also be present to discuss establishment and harvesting options with potential and existing owners.
Forestry Lecturer at Ballyhaise College Marianne Lyons, explained why this will be a very beneficial day for anyone interested in Forestry and the Environment. “Forestry is not a standalone industry and is not just about timber production; In order to have a sustainable resource the forestry industry operates in close cooperation with environmental land use agencies and organisations to produce sustainable products and related services. The demand for timber and a renewable energy resource is increasing. This can be achieved with an appreciation of added environmental value and wider social benefits. Opportunities exist across the sectors for forest owners, skilled operatives, self-employed contractors and graduates.”
This day is a great opportunity for school goers, forest owners and members of the public to meet educators, agencies, organisations and representatives from the forestry and tree care sectors. Present on the day will be Teagasc Education, Advisory and Research. Also attending are UCD, WIT, GMIT (Letterfrack), DAFM (Forest Service), NPWS, Inland fisheries, Society of Irish Foresters, Geological Society of Ireland, Cavan County Council, among others. There will also be a number of graduates from Ballyhaise College outlining their career paths since finishing college. Ultimately this is a day for anyone interested in forestry and the environment.
Teagasc, Ballyhaise College would like to invite you to this event on Thursday May 10 th. The event is free of charge and will open from 10.00am to 3.00pm. For further information contact Ballyhaise College 049-4338108 or email Ballyhaise. college@teagasc.ie