Ignite, the UK’s only accredited programme of training to focus on the woodfuel supply chain, is coming to the East of England for the first time. Funded by the Forestry Commission and Woodfuel East two three day courses will run in Suffolk and Bedfordshire in September and October.
The three day course is the mainstay of the Ignite programme and provides a thorough grounding in woodfuel production and supply for those involved in the sector, whether it be producers, users, advisors or policy makers. The course consists of four modules (setting the scene; the woodfuel resource; woodfuel systems; woodfuel technology) delivered through a mix of presentations, workshops, field trips and culminates in an assessment, successful completion of which leads to a LANTRA Technical Award. This is a vital advantage of Ignite as it gives customers, funders and employers reassurance of a quality service and product.
Ignite has run throughout the UK and over 200 trainees have attended with very high levels of satisfaction. All courses are run by qualified instructors with substantial experience in the woodfuel industry and backed up by a course manual, resources CD and unlimited post course support (e-mail/telephone). One of the strengths of the course is that people from many different backgrounds attend enabling sharing of experience and building of the woodfuel sector network.
Edwin Van Ek, manager of Woodfuel East, said ‘we are delighted that we are able to host Ignite in the East of England, as along with the existing knowledge and skills in the region, it will provide a significant boost for the woodfuel sector. We are going to see a big increase in the market for woodfuel over the coming years and it’s vital we have a skilled workforce to respond to that demand.’
Ignite will run on 9th – 11th September at the Greenlight Trust near Bury St. Edmunds and 21st – 23rd October at the Chilterns Gateway Centre near Dunstable. Each course costs £100 +VAT including all materials, lunch and registration fees.
Ignite has been developed and is run by Rural Development Initiatives Ltd. Click here for more information on Ignite or take a look at our events section to find out where else Ignite is running in the near future.
To book on the East of England course or get more details contact Pam Baker on 01670 790444 or on pam.baker@ruraldevelopment.org.uk.
