Teenagers are being offered the opportunity to learn safe tractor handling skills.

Kerry North East and West Kerry Development (NEWKD) is running a series of tractor skill courses for teenagers between 14 and 16 years old.

Focus

“We’ve been running the course for nearly 10 years and it has gone from strength to strength,” NEWKD chair John Stack said.

“The focus is on teaching youngsters safe tractor driving skills and it is especially important for this time of year, as more tractors are on the road and working in fields.”

The course is split between a first aid course in the morning and tractor skills in the afternoon.

Participants receive an FRS training certificate, with recognition from Farm Safety Partnership and the Health and Safety Authority.

The course includes:

  • Setting up a good driving position.
  • Safe driving on the farm.
  • Hitching farm machinery to the tractor safely.
  • Practical driving skills.
  • First aid training.

    • Remaining dates

    There are two remaining course dates on Monday 8 July in Listowel Mart and Wednesday 10 July in Tralee Mart.

    The course costs €35 per applicant or €20 if a child’s parents are in receipt of social welfare payments, such as Farm Assist.

    If anyone is interested in taking part, they can get in touch with NEWKD.