Mayo students take part in Coillte's World of Work programme

Students from St Tiernan’s College, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo, gathered in Coillte’s Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon, alongside three other schools for a day of celebration, learning, and fun at the Coillte World of Work 2025 wrap-up event in association with Business in the Community, Ireland (BITCI).

A total of 128 students from schools in Kilkenny, Tipperary, Galway, and Mayo participated in this year’s World of Work programme. This is the second consecutive year that Ireland’s semi-state forestry company has partnered with St Tiernan’s College.

Coillte’s World of Work programme provides second year students with insights into what it’s like to work in forestry, including the types of roles available, with students visiting a Coillte forest with a Coillte forester to get practical examples of forestry as a career.  Over 60 students from St Tiernan’s College have participated over the past four years and enjoyed activities which have introduced them to the working world of Coillte and the diverse roles within the forestry sector.

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Through the programme, students from all four schools also learned about the multiple benefits of forests for climate, nature, wood, and people and the important role forestry plays in their local community.

Colm O’Dwyer, Regional Manager at Coillte said, “We are delighted to once again work with St. Tiernan’s College and give its students the chance to learn more about forestry in their local area. This is the second year that St. Tiernan’s College has been involved, with over 60 students experiencing the programme so far. We hope that the exposure to the diversity of roles in forestry through the World of Work programme will give students a deeper understanding of the industry when they are considering their future careers.”

Lorraine McHale, Deputy Principal at St Tiernan’s College, said, “We are delighted that our students had this experience with Coillte and BITCI.  The programme provides young people with a great opportunity to learn about career opportunities and businesses in their local community. Coillte’s World of Work programme connects students with trees and nature, educates them about the benefits of forestry and promotes sustainability.”

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