At Oxygen Conservation, we believe that the future of the natural capital economy lies in the hands of the next generation. Much like Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary youth system at Manchester United, we are committed to attracting and nurturing the best young talent through our innovative internship program. Ferguson’s success wasn’t just about winning a championship, it was about winning multiple trophies across multiple seasons. And he did that by building a sustainable pipeline of talent that could keep the club at the top for a generation.
We aim to do the same for the natural capital economy.
Much of my childhood was spent watching football and playing Championship Manager which brought together my love of sport and data. My teenage years also combined with the beginning of Manchester United’s success and the now famous phrase; “you can’t win anything with kids”. It’s therefore perhaps not surprising that throughout my time in sport, and now in business, I’ve always believed in recruiting the most talented young people and giving them opportunities that their ability (not necessarily their years) deserve!
Building a Youth System
Sir Alex Ferguson famously said, “I had to work really hard to develop a youth system that gave me a stream of players continuously year after year, which exists right up to this present day.” At Oxygen Conservation, we’ve embraced this philosophy by creating an internship program designed to identify, attract, and develop young talent passionate about conservation and sustainability.
Our program is intended to be a pathway (think meandering river with rapids and waterfalls) to a fulfilling career in the natural capital economy. By offering hands-on experience, mentorship from the very best people in the sector, and opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects, we ensure our interns are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful environmental impact, at Oxygen Conservation and beyond.
The Competitive Edge
“We’re Manchester United, and we need to recruit all the best young talent in the country.” This declaration underpins our approach to talent acquisition. Just as Ferguson sought out the best young footballers, we are relentless in our pursuit of the brightest minds in conservation, sustainability, and natural capital.
At the core of our success is the unique culture and brand of Oxygen Conservation. We are committed to a simple minimalist approach that makes the natural world the star of our show, as seen in our black-and-white branding and focus on high-quality, impactful imagery. This distinct identity, combined with our values linked to the environment, impact, adventure and a commitment to togetherness, sets us apart and attracts the most incredibly talented people who are inspired to be part of something truly special.
This helps us to attract literally hundreds of applicants for every role; meaning we can be incredibly selective about the people we invite to be part of our assessment process. This approach ensures that we attract candidates who are not only academically or professionally accomplished (or have the potential to be) but also passionate about making a difference. Once on board, interns are immersed in every aspect of Oxygen Conservation, real-world projects that challenge them to think critically and innovate, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in conservation in the process.
A Catalyst for Excellence
Ferguson once remarked, “Nothing lit a fire under the arse of a senior pro like a young player snapping at his heels who happened to play in the same position as him.” At Oxygen Conservation, we embrace that master and apprentice philosophy, and we understand the value of healthy competition and fresh perspectives. Our intern program is designed to infuse new energy and ideas into our organisation, motivating our senior team to continuously improve and innovate.
Interns at Oxygen Conservation are not just observers; they are active contributors to our mission. Whether it’s developing new products and services, working on land restoration projects, or engaging with local communities, our interns play a crucial role in our success. This dynamic environment fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, benefiting both our interns and our seasoned professionals.
Learning from the Best
Our intern program also emphasises mentorship. Just as young players at Manchester United benefited from the guidance of experienced professionals – just like the class of 92 being asked to stay behind and help Eric Cantona with practice – our interns have access to mentorship from some of the leading minds in conservation and sustainability. This mentorship is invaluable in helping them navigate the complexities of the natural capital economy and develop the skills needed to become future leaders – better professionals and better people.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Oxygen Conservation is committed to not only attracting the best young talent but also retaining them within the developing sector, even if we can’t keep everyone ourselves. We provide opportunities, competitive reward packages, and ongoing professional development alongside unparalleled access to information and engagement. By doing so, we ensure that our interns can transition into full-time roles within our organisation or others, contributing to our long-term success and that of the broader natural capital economy.
Our approach is already yielding incredible results. We have seen a surge in high-quality applications, with more than 500 candidates vying for last year’s intern roles, and a projected 1,000 candidates for our 2025 programme due to be released later in the autumn. This competitive selection ensures we are cultivating the best talent, capable of driving the ambitious projects that define Oxygen Conservation.
We’re delighted that Lyall Spencer (Estate Management), Adam Crouch (Estate Management), Esme Evans (Ecology), Abbey Dudas (Engagement), and James Ormrod (Natural Capital) are all former interns who are now key members of our first team!
Conclusion
By taking inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson’s Class of 92 youth system at Manchester United, Oxygen Conservation has developed an internship program that not only attracts the best young talent but also nurtures and retains them. This strategic approach ensures that we have a continuous stream of passionate, skilled professionals ready to tackle the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. Just as Ferguson’s legacy continues to provide for an unparalleled generation of dominance at Manchester United, we believe our investment in young talent will secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the natural capital economy.
Author’s Note – It was amiss of me not to reference the incredible role of our Head of People, Andrew Dewar PhD who helps lead our recruitment, development and performance aspects of the business. Alongside a PhD in performance psychology, he also happens to be Scottish just like Sir Alex.
Rich Stockdale
Founder & CEO