French leave project for farm mechanics
SEDIMA, the French farm machinery dealers association has pledged its support for an exchange scheme for Agicultural Engineering students at the Institute of Technology, Tralee.
IT Tralee is the only college in Ireland for Agricultural Engineering courses.
But there are no fewer than 44 different training centres for agricultural mechanics in France, and some of these will shortly be visited by IT Tralee staff.
As a result, predicts Bill Looney, Head of Apprentices, Tralee IT, apprentice agricultural mechanics at the Institute will have the opportunity of valuable work experience placements in France very soon.
The groundwork has been laid in a successful trial work experience programme for three French students with Irish farm machinery dealers.
SEDIMA chief Hubert Lecoq, on a recent visit to Ireland, said French dealers would welcome young Irish people into their dealerships as part of this learning experience.
The aim of the exchange scheme is to give young apprentice agricultural mechanics an opportunity to see how the farm machinery business is run in another country.
Mr Lecoq urged the Irish Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) to look at the scope for sending young staff members and apprentices abroad, “They will gain valuable experience in France and bring new ideas and work practices back to their workplaces“, he said.
