Edge Group Scotland and Edinburgh Zoo Partnership Creates New Opportunities for Young Adults
An exciting new partnership between Musselburgh-based Edge Group Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is creating valuable opportunities for young adults from across Edinburgh and the Lothians to gain practical experience in a professional working environment, develop transferable skills and connect with wildlife conservation.
The collaboration brings together Edge Group Scotland's expertise in specialist supported day programmes with RZSS's extensive experience in wildlife conservation, research and public engagement, creating meaningful opportunities for young adults to develop practical skills, build confidence and work towards greater independence and future employability.
Edge's Community Programme group is the first to benefit from the partnership, with participants gaining access to specialist conservation expertise and opportunities to learn and develop their skills within the working environment of Edinburgh Zoo.
Crucially, the partnership is about far more than visiting the Zoo. At its heart is the opportunity for young adults to gain genuine real-world experience, learn alongside professionals and develop the knowledge, confidence and transferable skills needed to take on responsibilities and make a meaningful contribution.
Alongside these practical experiences, participants will develop a greater understanding of wildlife, the natural world and the importance of conservation, connecting their own learning and development with the wider work of RZSS.
The partnership officially got underway on 12 October, when Jaima Smith, Community and Discovery Officer at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, visited Edge's Musselburgh campus to meet the group and introduce the opportunities ahead.
As a wildlife conservation charity, RZSS's work extends far beyond Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. From protecting threatened species and supporting wildlife conservation in Scotland to international research and efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, the charity plays an important role in protecting biodiversity and inspiring people to connect with nature.
Samantha Roberts, CEO of Edge Group Scotland, said:
"At Edge Group Scotland, we're always looking for ways to create meaningful opportunities beyond our own programmes. Our partnership with RZSS is a fantastic example of what can happen when organisations bring their expertise together to create something genuinely special.
"For the young adults we support, this is about much more than learning about wildlife. It's an opportunity to gain valuable experience in a real working environment, develop transferable skills and build the confidence to take on responsibilities and make a meaningful contribution. We're incredibly proud to be working alongside an organisation doing such important conservation work, and excited about what our young adults will learn, achieve and contribute."
Jaima Smith, Community and Discovery Officer at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, added:
“We’re delighted to be working with Edge Group Scotland to help young adults discover more about wildlife conservation and the important role we all play in protecting nature. Opportunities like this allow us to share our knowledge and passion for wildlife while helping participants develop new skills, build confidence and experience the world of conservation first-hand. We hope the partnership will inspire them to connect with nature in new ways and discover the many ways they can all make a difference for wildlife.”
The partnership reflects Edge Group Scotland's commitment to creating meaningful, outcomes-focused opportunities that extend beyond traditional programme settings, giving young adults the chance to gain experience, develop independence and play an active role in the wider community.
The Community Programme marks the first chapter of the wider collaboration, with both organisations looking forward to seeing the skills, confidence and achievements of the young adults develop.