RBC backs Dal AC internship program

Students at the Bible Hill campus now have a fresh leg-up into the workplace

RBC is backing a new internship program for students at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus.

The RBC Agricultural Internship Program combines classroom study with 12- week work-integrated learning opportunities, as well as mentoring from faculty members and industry leaders. The RBC Foundation is donating $250,000 to the program.

“Through this great partnership with the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture, more than 300 youth will have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and experiences necessary to drive agriculture innovation and productivity,” Bruce Young, RBC’S vice-president of commercial financial services for Cape Breton and Eastern Nova Scotia, said in a release.

Launched last spring, 51 students participated in the first year of the program. The investment is part of RBC’S Future Launch Program, which aims to equip Canadian youth with the job experience, networking opportunities and skills development required to succeed in an ever-changing workplace.

Agricultural and agri-food careers are diverse and reach beyond traditional farm work, so the program seeks to place students in diverse settings related to their specific career interests.

Students have been learning and working in food production, niche start-ups, horticulture and botanical gardens, agricultural equipment and supplies, dairy farming, environmental impact, soil management, finance, research and development and quality management.

Student Julia Roach took part in the program last summer with an internship at the Cavendish Farm plant in New Annan, P.E.I., where she worked in quality assurance. She said the experience was a valuable component of her university career.

“I was able to gain experience in my field of interest, solve real-world problems, and grow as a young professional. And I now have a clearer idea of where I want to be after graduation, and the goals I would like to achieve.”