Businesses can reap commercial and economic benefits by getting involved in environmental health undergraduate work placement schemes, organisations will be told at an event in Belfast next week.
The briefing, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the University of Ulster, which takes place on May 16 at Riddell Hall, Stranmillis, will be addressed by the Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry.
Organisations from the public, private and non-profit sectors will be told of the growing need for businesses to be compliant with environmental health requirements including health and safety, consumer protection and food safety standards.
The focus will be on how environmental health professionals can significantly assist modern, dynamic and progressive organisations in meeting these through developing and reviewing internal systems.
Speaking ahead of the event Dr Farry said: “I recognise that good quality student work placements are vitally important in adding to the skills, experience and work-readiness of our graduates, whilst also providing mutual benefits to our local businesses.
“I commend both CIEH and the University of Ulster for encouraging businesses in the environmental health sector to utilise the skills of Northern Ireland’s talented undergraduates.”
Gary McFarlane director of CIEH NI, said: “Offering student placements is a win win scenario. All businesses have to comply with a wide range of legal requirements and many will also want to improve their performance as well as maximise efficiency.
“Environmental health students have the necessary scientific, technological and social skills to assist businesses in achieving this. They can review existing systems and procedures, suggest and develop new or improved ones and even assist with staff training.
“Businesses benefit through the critical thinking, new ideas and fresh enthusiasm they will bring and the students benefit through refining their skills and knowledge base.”
Damian McGivern, director of Employability and Marketing at the University of Ulster, said: “Businesses have a real opportunity to gain up-to- date knowledge and also add to their corporate responsibility credentials by offering students this valuable industry experience; after all they are the life blood of our future economy.”
n Time is running out to register for the event which takes place at 7.30am on May 16 in Riddel Hall, Stranmillis. Email h.rollings@cieh.org or call 02890 243884.