With CAO applications now open, Coillte has announced the launch of its 2025 Forestry Scholarship Programme.
Áine O’Dwyer from Ballybofey is among the inaugural scholars already benefiting from the programme.
Áine, Mia Sibbald (Kildare) and Alex Power (Waterford) are currently in their first semester at South East Technological University (SETU).
The scholarship offers up to €20,000 per recipient across their degree, alongside paid summer placements and career opportunities with Coillte. The scholarship was created to address the growing need for skilled professionals to support Ireland’s environmental and economic sustainability.
Áine said: “This scholarship has given me more than financial support—it has provided a pathway into a sector that is key to tackling climate challenges and supporting rural Ireland.
“My introduction to SETU has been fantastic, as we begin to learn about the practical aspects of sustainable forestry and its potential to foster a greener, brighter future.”
The launch of the 2025 Forestry Scholarship comes amid growing interest in forestry careers, as revealed by a recent RED C survey commissioned by Coillte. This survey found that 60% of 18–34-year-olds view a career in the forest and wood sector as attractive, with over a quarter of all those surveyed describing it as very attractive. Furthermore, 57% of women surveyed expressed interest in a career in forestry, highlighting the sector’s broadening appeal across diverse demographics.
Mark Carlin, Managing Director of Coillte Forest, said: “Forestry is essential to Ireland’s environmental and economic future, offering diverse careers in a wide variety of areas. With CAO applications now open, we encourage students to consider forestry as a meaningful career that contributes to a greener, more self-sufficient Ireland.”
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