17 March 2009 Vacation school offers chance to say 'YES' to sustainability

Places are still open for Year 12 and 13 secondary students on Lincoln University's award-winning vacation school programme "Youth Education for Sustainability" (YES).

Founded in 1990 as "EnviroSchool", with Sir Edmund Hillary as Patron, and the winner in 1996 of a Government Ministerial A ward for contributions to environmental care, the now named "Youth Education for Sustainability'' programme is a Lincoln University-based vacation school. This year it runs from 14-18 April.

"Widespread community support for the principles and practices of sustainability has led to enthusiastic support for the 'Youth Education for Sustainability' programme," says organiser Sara Russell of Lincoln University's Professional Development Group.

"Sustainability is the key to the future, and students, as the adults of tomorrow, are determined it will happen.

"However it isn't just the idea of saving the world while making money that is attracting the interest of the young generation. Students are becoming aware that there are now clear career paths available and waiting to be taken, and that opportunities for the future are massive."

Professor Ian Spellerberg, chair of Lincoln University's YES programme, says the majority of businesses today produce sustainability performance reports, and increasingly they have to keep up with global environmental standards and accreditation schemes.

He says that as the pressure comes onto businesses, their need for specially trained staff will increase. The Lincoln University YES programme will give students a very good grounding on what is required by companies, while also broadening their 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."

Professor Spellerberg says that those who attend will be envied as they will be able to say on their CVs that they have debated sustainability with top politicians and have been through a well-established programme recognized for its excellence throughout the country and overseas.

"With its connection to future employment opportunities in fields that will require more and more people to fill important roles, the programme has to be regarded as promising huge potential benefits for those who attend," says organiser Sara Russell.

"Companies ranging over the fields of agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, forestry, engineering, medicine, education and even aviation are all looking for people who are qualified in the sustainability area."

Year 12 and 13 students requiring further information about places on Lincoln University's "Youth Education for Sustainability" programme over 14 - 18 April 2009, can consult
www.yes.ac.nz or telephone Sara Russell on (03) 3253849.