Our Courses
Our timber experts have provided a range of online courses that give practical guidance on key topics, to assist you in your future construction projects.
Get started today on the Timber Spec CPD online series
Learn the many benefits of designing and building with timber.
FREE
Course 1: An Introduction to Timber Specification
Learn about the forestry industry in Ireland and access a basic guide to timber specification.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Benefits and Properties of Wood
- Processing, Handling and Storage
- Sawn Timber Products
- Specifying Timber
FREE
Course 2: Understanding Timber Sustainability
Learn about the role sustainably sourced timber can play in helping to tackle the climate crisis.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- The Built Environment
- Wood and Sustainability
- Whole Life Carbon
- Sustainable Sourcing
FREE
Course 3: Timber in the Landscape
Learn how timber can be used as a cost effective and attractive option for landscape applications.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Classification and Durability
- Domestic Landscaping
- Commercial and Agricultural
- Amenity Use and Maintenance
FREE
Course 4: Sustainability in Healthy Buildings
Learn about the health and wellbeing benefits of biophilic design in our built environment.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Biophilic Design
- Biophilic Drivers
- Principles of Biophilic Design
- The Benefits of Timber
FREE
Course 5: An Introduction to Timber Frame
Learn about what is involved in designing and commissioning a timber frame building.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- What is Timber Frame?
- How Timber Frame Works
- Erecting a Structure
- Timber Frame Project Overview
FREE
Course 6: Designing Timber Frame Structures
Learn about the specifications and standards governing timber frame construction that you need to know
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Timber Frame Specification
- Structural Integrity
- Standards and Regulations
- Fire
FREE
FREE
Course 7: Specification of Structural Timber
Learn about the structural use of timber in construction, its performance characteristics and compliance considerations.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Characteristics and Properties
- Design Standards
- Using Timber Specifications
- Design Considerations
FREE
Course 8: Understanding Timber Durability
Learn how the durability of wood can be enhanced against various types of attack and decay.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Durability of Species
- Surface Coatings and Finishes
- Preservatives
- Designing for Durability
FREE
Course 9: An Introduction to Cross Laminated Timber
Learn about the properties, benefits and applications of CLT as well as how it is manufactured.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- CLT Composition and Components
- Design and Erection
- Project Design Considerations
- Benefits of Building with CLT
FREE
Course 10: Specifying Timber Panel Products
Learn about the properties, benefits and applications of panel products as well as how they are manufactured.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Products and Properties
- End Use Applications
- Sustainability and Certification
- Handling and Storage
FREE
Course 11: Introduction to Timber and Bioenergy
Learn about all aspects of the use of solid biomass for heating at various scales.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Types of Woodfuel
- Units and Conversions
- Contracts and Trading
- Calculating Fuel Requirements
FREE
Course 12: Timber Pallets and Logistics
Learn about the variety of timber pallet options and how they support the global supply chain.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Types of Timber Pallet
- Design, Manufacture and Treatment
- Handling and Storing Pallets
- Sustainability
FREE
Course 13: Timber Design to Eurocode 5
Learn about the differences between the previous permissible stress design method and the new and the impact this will have.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Timber Requirements
- Eurocode Developments
- Design and Verify Elements
- Inspections & Execution of the Works
FREE
Course 14: Global Policies Influencing the Greater Adoption of Timber in Construction
Learn about the global movement embracing low-carbon timber in construction for a greener future.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Timber and the Built Environment
- International Review
- Policy Reccomendations
FREE
Course 15: Structural Design of Timber: Worked Examples to Eurocode 5
Learn about combating climate change by leveraging the unique properties of timber in your design of low-carbon solutions.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Theory of Structures
- Design of Timber in Bending
- Design of Gulam
FREE
Course 16: Timber Structure Design Interventions
Learn about advanced timber design strategies, with examples that illustrate the versatility and effectiveness of timber in structural interventions for existing buildings.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Roof Interventions
- Bolted Splice Connections
- New Plywood Box Beams
- Floor Slab and Vertical Extensions
FREE
Course 17: LCA in Theory
Learn about what a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is and how you can use it to make better decisions for the future.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- LCA: How Can it Be Used?
- LCA: Impacts and Benefits
- LCA Reference Standards
- EDP of Building Materials
FREE
Course 18: LCA in Practice
Learn how to apply LCA principles to real-world timber construction projects, understanding the impact of material choices on the carbon footprint and the broader built environment.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Embodied Carbon: Built Environment
- LCA Studies
- Timber Frame and Mass Timber
- Sustainable Design
FREE
Course 19: Timber Retail Essentials
Learn about how to enhance your customer engagement skills, sharpen sales technique and be an expert in timber products.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Identifing Timber Products
- Delivering Customer Service
- Successfully Closing Sales
- Long Term Customer Relationships
FREE
Course 20: Irish Forests and the Environment
Learn about the role of Irish forests, highlighting their ecological, economic, and social significance.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- History of Irish Forests
- The Forest Ecosystem
- Forest Types and Biomass
- Environmental Challenges
FREE
Course 21: Sustainable Forest Management
Learn about the key elements of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and how it is applied in
practice, and how independent forest certification supports it.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Origins of Sustainable Forest Managment
- Understanding SFM in the Irish Context
- The Forest Management Plan
- Challenges for SFM
FREE
Course 22: Forests and Climate Change
Learn about how forests both influence and are affected by climate change, and the role they play in mitigation, adaptation, and climate resilience.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Forests and Climate Change Mitigation
- Adaptation to Climate Change
- Protecting Forests from Climate Change
- Forest Conservations Policies
FREE
Course 23: Forests and Technology
Learn about technology and its role in Irish Forestry, and how it shapes reporting and product development in the forest industry.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Data Capture and Storage
- Operational Use of Technology
- Technlogy for Forest Reporting
- Forest Product Technlogy
FREE
Course 24: Forests and Wood
Learn about the role of forests in supporting biodiversity, wood as a renewable material, and how timber can shape more sustainable building practices.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Benefits of Forests and Wood
- Cultural and Recreational Value of Forests
- Economic Value of Irish Forestry
- Irish Wood Products
FREE
Course 25: Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)
Learn about the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), their categories, and their role in delivering faster, higher-quality, and more sustainable solutions.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Key Benefits of MMC
- Innovation and Digitalisation of MMC
- Regulatory Compliance and Certification
- MMC Innovation and Outlook
FREE
Course 26: Planting for the Future
Learn about the key environmental requirements for afforestation projects, apply for an Afforestation Licence, comply with DAFM requirements, act responsibly, and maximise the potential of their land.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- DAFM guidelines for afforestation
- Planting a forest in an area of land or a farm
- Environmental implications
- Suitable species choices for your land
FREE
Course 27: Irish Forestry & Timber: Separating Fact from Fiction
Gain a balanced, evidence-based understanding of Irish forestry and timber. This course explores common misconceptions and highlights the environmental, economic, and societal benefits that forests and wood products provide to Ireland.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- Understanding Irish Forestry and Timber
- Common Misconceptions About Forestry
- Environmental Benefits of Wood Products
- Economic Benefits of Forestry in Ireland
Coming Soon
Building with Confidence: Moisture Control for Mass Timber
Learn the principles of effective moisture management in mass timber construction. This course provides practical guidance to help design and project teams protect building performance, durability, and long-term sustainability.
PROPOSED TOPICS INCLUDE:
- Understanding Moisture Risks
- Moisture Management
- Protecting Timber Durability
- Long-Term Moisture Control
Coming Soon
From Forest to Market: Managing Your Timber Harvest
Discover how responsibly harvested Irish timber enters the supply chain and supports sustainable construction. This course guides forest owners through the harvesting process, helping them maximise value while contributing to Ireland's growing timber sector.
PROPOSED TOPICS INCLUDE:
- Planning for a Harvest
- Sustainable Harvesting Practices
- Irish Timber Supply Chain
- Maximising Timber Value