Minister Healy-Rae encourages students to explore working in forestry as a career choice

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD, has today launched a new digital learning tool called ‘Forests in your Future’, which has been specifically designed for transition year students to highlight the many benefits of forestry, including its impact on climate change, health and well-being, sustainable housing and biodiversity.

Speaking on the launch, Minister Healy-Rae said:

“Forestry is a growing sector that is helping to shape our country’s future. It can play a

pivotal role in helping us to meet our commitments in relation to climate mitigation, biodiversity protection and sustainable timber production. There are going to be many career opportunities, and I want the youth of Ireland to know this. When filling out their CAO form in a couple of years’ time, I would encourage students to consider forestry-related studies. The ‘Forests in your Future’ resource reveals the rich variety of career options available to them.”

‘Forests in your Future’, the new digital learning tool, explores the wide range of diverse and exciting career opportunities within the forestry industry, from ecologists and engineers to machine operators and forest planners, offering pathways for young adults to pursue a career in the sector. The structured course breaks down complex forestry topics, supporting teachers in delivering an informative and motivating introduction to forestry through videos, quizzes and classroom discussions.

A key strength of the learning tool is its emphasis on participation and reflection. Each section includes prompts for class discussion, encouraging students to think critically about the role of forests, their local environment, and their own potential future in the sector. By combining factual content with real-world examples and personal stories from forestry professionals, the resource supports both learning and inspiration.

The Minister concluded:

“The ‘Forests in your Future’ learning portal is a wonderful resource for teachers, career guidance counsellors, and students to engage with. It is a well-structured, adaptable, and forward-looking educational tool that I hope gets plenty of use in classrooms around the country.”

‘Forests in your Future’ supports teachers in delivering an informative and motivating introduction to forestry at a pivotal time, aligning with Ireland's national efforts to expand forest cover, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable, nature-based careers for the next generation.

This valuable classroom resource can be accessed at www.forestsinyourfuture.ie.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD, meeting with transition year students from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare at the launch of Forests in your Future, a new digital learning tool, which has been specifically designed for transition year students to highlight the many benefits of forestry, including its impact on climate change, health and well-being, sustainable housing and biodiversity.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD with Dermot Healy, school principal from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare at the launch of Forests in your Future, a new digital learning tool, which has been specifically designed for transition year students to highlight the many benefits of forestry, including its impact on climate change, health and well-being, sustainable housing and biodiversity.

(Left to Right) Dermot Healy, principal from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare, Tobias Gruber, Marian Schauerte, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD, Mave Holvein, Emer Twomey and Ciaran Nugent, Forestry Inspector at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the launch of Forests in your Future, a new digital learning tool, which has been specifically designed for transition year students to highlight the many benefits of forestry, including its impact on climate change, health and well-being, sustainable housing and biodiversity.