Canada Partnership to Promote Forestry Careers
The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has announced a new partnership with the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF-IFC) and the Duchy of Cornwall, to deliver an international student exchange programme.
Endorsed by HRH The Prince of Wales, The Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award will recognise outstanding students in the UK and Canada, and encourage their personal and professional development through employment experiences. The award will provide two students from each country with financial support and summer employment opportunities in the alternative country.
Forestry Industry Expansion
Russell Horsey, ICF Deputy Director, said: “ICF is excited to partner with the CIF-IFC and the Duchy of Cornwall to make this award available to UK students. Having been lucky enough to study Urban Forestry in Canada myself, I know first-hand what an exciting opportunity this is for UK students. It will allow future leaders in the fields of forestry and urban forestry to broaden their knowledge and make great contacts among their Canadian counterparts.
“Opportunities like this are crucial to encouraging more students to think about careers within the sector, especially at a time when the industry is looking to expand and take on more graduates.”
Future Forestry Leaders
Geraint Richards, Head Forester for The Duchy of Cornwall, has worked with ICF and CIF-IFC to develop the program. He said: “I am delighted with the creation of The Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award, which will sit well alongside The Prince of Wales Award for Sustainable Forestry, launched last year. I am especially keen that this new award provides our future forest leaders with a wonderful learning experience early on in their training, helping them better understand and, ultimately, use and promote sustainable methods of forest management in both the United Kingdom and Canada.”
Dr Tat Smith, CIF-IFC President, said: “This is an exciting new exchange program with the intent of connecting forestry students with the necessary resources required for success. We are recognising the great importance of personal networking, professional experience and mentoring towards the development of young professionals. This program aims to provide much needed assistance in dealing with the challenges that come with beginning a new career.”
The Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award will inspire knowledge and cultural exchange between students, employers and their host countries, by providing a unique learning and professional development opportunity. The award nomination process will open in September, with full details to become available on the ICF website. The first exchange will take place in the summer of 2015.
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