Portage College students benefit from hosting Ducks Unlimited Banquet

Pictured: Second year NRT students Rebekah Thomas, Nina Stamp and Christopher Wicker

It is a perfect partnership between Ducks Unlimited and students in the Natural Resources Technology (NRT) Program at Portage College.

During the annual Ducks Unlimited banquet held in Lac La Biche, NRT students volunteered their time and helped raise awareness about the program while making connections in the very industry they are learning about.

Portage College is one of only four educational institutions across Canada to be named as an official chapter with Ducks Unlimited.

Ducks Unlimited raises awareness about protecting, conserving and restoring our wetlands but what excites students most is how much money was raised to benefit their education. Proceeds from an auctioned print and bar sales will help the NRT students who volunteered, attend a wildlife conference hosted by the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society – held in Canmore in March.

Nina Stamp, a second year NRT student says organizing and working the banquet is primarily in their hands. She adds, it’s a great opportunity for both the first and second year students of the program to meet everyone attending the banquet, “It’s definitely a good fit. We have the opportunity to network, find out what types of jobs are available and meet the people who are working in the environment in our area.”

NRT students and staff have already started planning for next year’s event, but their relationship with Ducks Unlimited will extend well beyond the banquet.

Connections have been made for practicum job placement as well as the potential for other experience and future career opportunities.

A win-win for the environment and for those who study it.