Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Forestry
| Duration: | Two years |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body: | FETAC |
| Course Code: | CFXXX / CFORX |
| Progression: | Higher Education Links Scheme to Bachelor of Science in Forestry Bachelor of Science in Technology in Forest Management |
| Location: | Ballyhaise, Co Cavan |
| Application: | Direct to College |
| Maintenance Grant: | Teagasc Grant Scheme |
Course aim
The course provides sound understanding of the fundamental knowledge and the essential skills required for those involved in forestry operations. The course is aimed at those who are:
- Looking to expand or update their skills and training
- Looking to improve career prospects
- Looking to obtain a recognised qualification
- Looking to advance to higher level education
On completion of the course graduates will be competent in a range of relevant areas including carrying out safe work practices, communicating effectively and developing career skills.
Location
This course, accredited by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), is offered at the Teagasc College, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan.
Entry Requirements and Application Procedures
There is no minimum educational entry requirement for the course but students who have completed the Leaving Certificate are likely to benefit most from the course. Applicants must be over 17 years on 1 January following entry to the course. Mature students are welcome to apply. Applications should be made to Ballyhaise by 1 June.
Course Structure and Content
Year One
Year one consists of 26 weeks course work at Ballyhaise and an eight weeks practical training period with an approved host forester. The course work includes the study of soils, tree planting and establishment, forestry maintenance, management and conservation, tree shaping and harvesting, fencing, spraying, pruning, a chainsaw operation and ATV operation. Many of the skills are taught in conjunction with Coillte (the Irish Forestry Board).
On successfully completing the year one course programme students are awarded a FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Forestry. (This does not meet the training requirement for Stamp Duty Exemption).
Students with the Level 5 award may apply, via the Higher Education Links Scheme, for places on the Ordinary Bachelor of Science in Forestry - Level 7 (WD076) and the Bachelor of Science in Technology in Forest Management - Level 7 (GA474). Students with the Level 5 award at merit or distinction may aply directly to Waterford IT for direct entry to year 2 of the Bachelor of Science in Forestry - Level 7.
Year Two
Students with the Level 5 award are given the opportunity to follow the year two programme at Ballyhaise. Year two comprises nine months practical training with an approved host forester and six weeks course work at Ballyhaise. Students who complete this follow-on course are well equipped to take up employment in responsible positions with forestry contractors or in the timber industry or to start their own forestry business.
During the nine months practical training period, students develop forestry and management skills. Students spend six weeks in the college where the emphasis is on forestry management and business. The programme includes proficiency testing in forestry skills.
On successful completion of the year two course programme students are awarded the FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Forestry. This meets the training requirement for Stamp Duty exemption.
