EDMONTON — Imagine your university education included caring for a herd of zebras, healing an injured wild owl, or having a hand in distilling and distributing a fine bottle of whisky for sale. University of Alberta learners don’t have to imagine this week: they’ll be actively involved in those activities and more as part of a program introducing students to career possibilities in agricultural, life and environmental sciences.
The ALES Mini-Internship Program teams students with leading industry partners to give them a unique learning experience through on-site, hands-on training. Among the participating sites this year are the Edmonton Valley Zoo, Rig Hand Distillery, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization WildNorth.
Approximately 165 U of A Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences students are taking part in the program from Feb. 21 - 23, giving them the opportunity to test career options and make industry connections. In return, participating partners have the chance to inspire new professionals who will be joining their industry and create awareness of the many opportunities available.
Media are invited to tag along as students enjoy this unique learning experience. Interviews with learners, site partners and U of A program coordinators are available upon request at sites including:
Edmonton Valley Zoo: Students will shadow zookeepers, assist with basic husbandry tasks, and have opportunities to observe behind the scenes what it takes to look after more than 100 species on a day-to-day basis.
Rig Hand Distillery: Students will experience a grain-to-glass distillery in the unique position of being the first craft distillery in Nisku. The family-run business makes vodka, rum, whiskey, gin and coffee cream liquor that is locally sourced, produced, and distributed.
WILDNorth: A non-profit charity and veterinary practice that provides rescue, urgent and critical care to injured wild birds and small mammals. Since 1989, WILDNorth has helped more than 40,000 birds and small mammals receive proper medical treatment with the ultimate goal of returning these wild animals to their natural habitat.
To RSVP and arrange interviews for any of these sites, please contact:
Michael Brown | U of A media strategist | michael.brown@ualberta.ca | 780-977-1411