21 November, 2024
A new course on thatching in Kilkenny has been launched by the Heritage Council in partnership with Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB). This full-time introductory course, which begins in January 2025, is designed for individuals wishing to pursue a career as a thatcher in Ireland. It is the first of its kind in Ireland since the last FÁS course was run in 2009 and is a first step in addressing the decreasing number of thatchers in Ireland.
Although the thatched house has become symbolic of rural Ireland, the traditional skill is at a critical point in this country, with a huge shortage of thatchers to look after these vernacular and inherently sustainable buildings. The skill of thatching was historically passed down within a family, from one generation to the next – something which no longer tends to happen.
Thatching, however, is a reasonably steady full-time job as thatch material must be replaced periodically. Due to the declining number of thatchers and the increase in availability of grant funding for thatch buildings, thatching remains a viable career for those willing to upskill.
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, said:
“The announcement of this course is a pivotal step in preserving one of Ireland’s most critically endangered traditional skills. The shortage of skilled thatchers means the future of Ireland’s iconic thatched houses is under serious threat but this training course represents a beacon of hope, offering a pathway to address the shortage and ensuring that this cherished aspect of our heritage can be safeguarded for generations to come. At a time when thatchers and owners of thatched houses have faced many challenges, it is heartening to be able to bring this positive news to the sector.”
Beginning on 20 January 2025, the course will be delivered in-person based primarily in Sheepstown, Co. Kilkenny over a period of 42 weeks by expert trainer and thatcher, Brian Simpson. The course will include a 6-week work placement with an experienced thatcher and is aimed at learners with an interest in the practical skills of thatching, who want to work with their hands and who enjoy working outdoors in beautiful locations around the country. There are no formal entry requirements to take this course.
Learners may be entitled to a training allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare payment at the start of the course. For learners who are not entitled to a social welfare payment, the Heritage Council will offer a number of bursaries to enable participation in the course.
Director of Further Education and Training at KCETB, Martha Bolger added:
KCETB is delighted to be partnering with the Heritage Council to deliver new innovative training in thatching skills. We hope to deliver more bespoke training in conservation and retrofitting skills as we deliver the FET College of The Future ambition to Kilkenny and Carlow. I am very excited about the potential of this course which recognises the diverse and vernacular heritage of Kilkenny and beyond.”
Applicants are invited to register online via https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=461931
There will be an information session held on the 10th of December in Kilkenny where applicants can learn more about the course. Further details will be provided to those who register interest at the course link.