The Institute interviews Reginald Eddy on winning the 2017 Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award. Reginald’s placement is with 2017 Award Programme employer AT Coombes Associates Ltd. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF/IFC).
Why did you apply for the award?
After hearing about The Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award, I decided that this was an amazing opportunity that I could not miss! The main reason I applied for the award was to enhance my career and take on a new challenge and role within the industry. This is an excellent opportunity to create an international professional network.
What has changed since you were given the award?
Since I was given the award, even though it has only been a short space of time, I have grown as an individual and an arboriculturist. I’ve recently completed my diploma as an Urban Forestry Technician at Fleming College and I am now preparing for my bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry at the University of British Columbia this year. I am continually growing as a professional arboriculturist which enables me to increase my responsibilities and services that I can provide to the industry.
How have you prepared for the start of the experience?
Mainly, I have brushed up on all of the native species present in the UK.
What are you most looking forward to during the experience?
Embracing a new culture and working with likeminded individuals are two things I am really looking forward to. Being my first time to the UK, I am really excited to explore the differences and compare them to Canadian culture. I am looking forward to working with people who share a passion for urban forestry and, share my Canadian perspective and hopefully bring something to them that they can learn from.
What do hope to gain from the experience?
I look forward to a fantastic adventure and gaining a new set of skills that are specific to the UK. I would like to take what I learn and apply it to my next few years’ of education.
Where would you like to be in 5 years?
In five years I hope to be fully immersed in the urban forestry industry with a full toolbox of skills from my education and professional experiences. The position I hope to hold in the industry, is one where I can teach and share my passion with motivated individuals.
Thank you Reginald, enjoy the rest of your placement.
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