What advice do you have for those wishing to go back to work?
What advice do you have for older workers?
What advice do you have for school leavers?
If considering a career in forestry it will be important to research and consider what opportunities and options are out there. Sometimes there is a notion that foresters are always out there among the trees. For some maybe, but forestry and the related processing sector is a tough and competitive business and with a range of job possibilities post qualification.
A forestry career can be very rewarding and worthwhile. Advice that I would give to school leavers who are considering pursuing a third level forestry qualification would be:
Look at all the course options provided by colleges in both Ireland and the UK.
If feasible endeavour to get a qualification at degree level or higher
Try to get practical and relevant experience as it will enhance future employment prospects.
What advice do you have for graduates?
Advice for forestry graduates:
Keep up to date with what is happening in the forestry industry through international journals, professional bodies, internet etc...
Use your contacts and networks to seek out employment opportunities that will give you experience in different areas of the sector.
As forestry is a business, consider acquiring additional business or related qualification as part of your continuous professional development.
What advice do you have for career changers?
If you are currently working in a different sector and are considering changing to a career in forestry - you should:
Be comfortable with your reasons for undertaking this change - consider seeking advice from a career councellor and/or people already within the industry
Identify and fully investigate options that are available in both the work and educational opportunities.
If you think you have satisfactory answers from the two points above 'Go for it!'
What advice do you have for non-Irish nationals?
There are opportunities for non-Irish nationals in the industry. Many independent forestry contractors use non-Irish nationals in the transport, harvesting and planting operations. There will also be opportunities for professionals with possibilities of sourcing positions through the media, agencies and personal contacts.
It is helpful to be proficient in the English language.
Have details of any relevant training/certification that you may have.
Contact some of the relevant representative associations as part of your search, e.g:
Coillte Training Centre, Dublin Road, Mountrath, Co. Laois. Tel: 057 8756454 or 057 8732576. Email: ann.boyhan@coillte.ie
Those wishing to seek a career change might also consider a return to education as a mature student.
What advice do you have for older workers?
Operational forestry can be tough and demanding so you may need to be in good physical shape to cope with these demands. There are opportunities in management and supervisory roles across the spectrum of jobs that might become available.
Continue to...
Questions about the sector
Questions about the career opportunities
Questions about education and training
Questions about global opportunities
Advice for people interested in this area
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James Ryan "The thing I like most about the graduate programme is the amount of variety you experience on a day to day basis"
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Paulina Pawlukojc "This job is for someone who is an outdoor person, who loves nature, enjoys walking and doesn't mind the weather"
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Mark O Loughlin "I always took part in outdoor activities in school and during my College years I gained a greater insight into the sector by doing part time Forestry work"
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Fintan O'Brien "I prepare management accounts for different sections of the company and I am also involved in writing business and strategic plans"
