Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 07/Jan 23:18

Irish youngsters look to forestry for a career

More young people are looking towards the forestry and wood sector as a career, according to the findings of a new Coillte commissioned survey, which revealed that 60% of respondents believed it to be an attractive option. Source: The Irish Examiner Coillte said this growing interest aligns with the industry’s pivotal role in addressing Ireland’s climate and housing challenges while meeting the increasing demand for sustainable timber. Public sentiment also strongly supports forestry’s role in addressing these challenges: Nearly 70% of the survey respondents favoured increased timber frame housing, reflecting a rise in support since 2022, while 80% believed Ireland should be self-sufficient in timber production. The forestry sector is recognised as a key driver of Ireland’s climate action objectives, requiring more than 1,700 skilled professionals by 2030 to meet the ambitions of the forest strategy. Coillte released the findings at the launch of its 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme, which offers up to €20,000 per recipient across their degree, alongside paid summer placements and career opportunities with the company. The scholarship, created to address the growing need for skilled professionals to support Ireland’s environmental and economic sustainability, provides support for students pursuing a full-time, third-level forestry programme at University College Dublin (UCD) or South-East Technological University (SETU). Inaugural scholars Áine O’Dwyer (Donegal), Mia Sibbald (Kildare) and Alex Power (Waterford), now in their first semester at SETU, are already benefiting from the programme. Coillte Forest managing director Mark Carlin said forestry is essential to Ireland’s environmental and economic future, offering diverse careers in a wide variety of areas. He urged students to consider forestry as a meaningful career that contributes to a greener, more self-sufficient Ireland. “Forestry is not just about planting and harvesting trees – it is a dynamic, multifaceted sector,” he said, stressing that sustainability is at the heart of forestry today and technological innovation continues to transform the sector. Mr Carlin said there is a wide range of careers available, including planners who use sophisticated information technology to develop strategic forest management plans, ecologists working to protect and enhance biodiversity, supply-chain managers working to coordinate the supply of sustainable wood products, and recreation managers delivering trails and activities for people to enjoy. Inaugural scholar Alex Power said receiving the Coillte scholarship opened doors for him. “It’s not just the financial support—it’s being part of a sector that plays such an important role in tackling climate change and supporting rural communities.