9 March 2009 Students rally to the sustainability flag

 

Sustainability is the key to the future, and dozens of students are determined it will happen.

A huge upsurge in interest in sustainability has lead to new interest in the Lincoln University “Youth Education for Sustainability” programme being held in mid April.

However it isn’t just saving the world whilst making money that is attracting the students, there are now marked career paths for students to take, and the opportunities for the future are massive.

Compared by many to the IT boom a few years ago, sustainability is riding on the crest of a popularity wave and is certainly opening doors for people who want to catch that wave.

Professor Ian Spellerberg, chair of the program, says the majority of businesses today produce sustainability performance reports, and increasingly have to keep up with global environmental standards and accreditation schemes.

He says as he pressure comes onto businesses, their need for specially trained staff increases. The Lincoln University programme will give students a very good grounding on what is required by companies, as well as broadening their own horizons.

However it isn’t all just about learning about sustainability, those involved will be able to share their new knowledge, their views and their passions with several senior politicians during a forum at the end of the course. 

As Professor Spellerberg says, those who attend will be envied by many as they will be able to say on their CV that they have debated sustainability with the Country’s top politicians having been through one of the best recognised programmes in the world.

With the promise of employment in a field that will demand more and more people to fill important roles, the programme is bound to be extremely popular and hugely beneficial for those who attend.

Organisers say that companies ranging from agriculture and forestry, engineers, medicine education agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and even those who operate aircraft are looking for people who are qualified in the sustainability area. 

The programme is open to students from all over New Zealand, as long as they are in year 12 or 13 and there are still spots available.  The programme takes place from the 14 to the 18 April at Lincoln University. 

For further information see www.yes.ac.nz