Ignite, RDI’s award winning wood fuel training course, has been delivered at locations across the UK. This summer the course was delivered very successfully in Wales for the first time.
After initial investigations in Wales in 2007 through local contacts in the forestry and woodfuel sectors t, we saw that there was enough demand to run four courses throughout 2008; two in North Wales and two in South Wales.
Initial marketing resulted in a number of enquires, however potential participants were reluctant to book at the full at-cost price of the course, £450 for two days. This is a problem that we have seen across the UK, the full cost combined with the cost of being away from work for two days is prohibitive. RDI are highly experienced at sourcing funding to subsidise the cost of places. In Pembrokeshire a successful approach was made to the Pembrokeshire National Park Sustainable Development Team. This meant we were able to offer places at only £100 + VAT.
The course was organised and run by RDI Ltd with support from Phil Potter, an associate of RDI and a resident of Wales. RDI has a network of associates across the UK, we have found that using trainers who have a local knowledge of wood fuel activity, businesses and grants really adds an extra dimension.
A total of 12 people attended the first course which was held at The Activity Centre, Pembroke Dock. It was a very successful course, with lively debate amongst particpants. By obtaining the certificate participants are now better able to plan and implement wood fuel heating systems and to develop business opportunities associated with the technology. All participants were successful in completeing the assessment and have been awarded Lantra Awards certificates.
‘Well tuned to needs and strongly evident that the instructors knew their subject’
‘Site visits excellent, particularly useful to see a problem site’
For more information on Ignite please click here.
