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ASPiRE: Empowering Future Sustainability Leaders at APRIL Group
As companies strive to minimize their environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices, the demand for qualified sustainability and ESG professionals has skyrocketed.
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APRIL Group's ASPiRE Program Offers Exciting Opportunities for Aspiring Sustainability Professionals
In today's rapidly evolving world, sustainability has become critical to business success. As companies strive to minimize their environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices, the demand for qualified sustainability and ESG professionals has skyrocketed.
APRIL Group, the leading Indonesian pulp and paper producer who managed a forest plantation area based in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau Province, recognizes the urgency of recruiting sustainability professionals to join and grow together with the company. Since 2019, the PaperOne producer has launched the APRIL Sustainability Professional Readiness (ASPiRE) program, an 18-month accelerated talent development program where trainees are involved in working on APRIL’s current business and sustainability challenges.
The ASPiRE program offers a unique and transformative experience, equipping candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills for sustainable development. In line with APRIL's long-term sustainability commitment, APRIL2030, the trainees will have the opportunity to work on areas such as conservation and restoration, community development, R&D, fiber and mill operations, as well as supporting corporate roles such as stakeholder engagement, communications, and ESG reporting.
Throughout the program, participants will gain insights into APRIL Group's business operations, sustainability commitments, and support in cross-functional business programs. This immersive learning experience not only provides exposure to the industry but also fosters personal and professional growth.
The program's benefits are exemplified by two alumni who are now integral members of APRIL Group's Sustainability Department: Ika Citra Marlia and Julmar Carcedo.
Ika Citra Marlia, a member of the first ASPiRE batch, reflects on her three-year journey since completing the program. After working on diverse projects ranging from social-related issues to business strategy formulation, Ika's scope of work expanded, showcasing her growing expertise and capabilities.
She currently serves as APRIL's Sustainability Assistant Manager, responsible for developing company strategies and policies to mitigate risks and align them with sustainability principles. Notably, Ika played a key role in creating APRIL's decade-long sustainability commitment, APRIL2030.
In addition to managing APRIL's priority sustainability agendas, Ika actively contributes to company tasks such as the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, ASPiRE, and the preparation of the APRIL Sustainability Report. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and continuous learning, she constantly strives to provide innovative solutions and stay up-to-date with evolving sustainability standards and policies.
"I am always challenged to be innovative in providing solutions and to keep abreast of new sustainability standards and policies. Looking back, I can see that the Company has always given me new challenges to take on. I treat these as opportunities to keep growing and never stop learning,” Ika states.
Julmar Carcedo, an ASPiRE alumnus, was attracted to working at APRIL after witnessing their advanced sustainability practices. With a Bachelor’s in International Relations from Brown University, USA and a Master's in Public Policy from the National University of Singapore, he joined ASPiRE in 2020, marking the beginning of his career as a sustainability professional.
During the 18-month program, Julmar immersed himself in three sustainability projects, including enhancing APRIL’s biodiversity portal and analysing APRIL’s peatland management strategy. Reflecting on the experience, Julmar shared, "The ASPiRE program went beyond work responsibilities, deepening my understanding of sustainability and the company's culture."
After completing the program, Julmar is now placed in APRIL's Human Rights and Gender Equality Program, working to establish human rights due diligence within the organization. His highlight was facilitating APRIL’s first human rights impact assessment, stating , "It broadened my knowledge and fulfilled my goal of making a positive impact on people's lives."
Julmar views his work in APRIL as part of his broader purpose to address societal challenges, such as empowering women in the forestry industry and safeguarding workers’ rights in our supply chain.
New Edition of ASPiRE is Calling
ASPiRE is now calling for the fifth edition of the program, presenting exciting opportunities for recent graduates passionate about sustainability. Upon completion of the 18-month ASPiRE program, candidates will have the opportunity to be placed in various sustainability positions within APRIL Group. These positions include roles within a diverse team of experienced professionals, both nationally and internationally.
To be considered for the ASPiRE program, applicants must meet the following main requirements:
- Hold a Master's degree from an accredited university.
- Have a relevant academic background in fields such as environmental studies, social and public policy, business administration, forestry, or ecology.
- Preferably possess a minimum of 1.5 years of work experience, including internships.
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing a career in sustainability.
- Possess excellent verbal and written English language skills.
If you aspire to become a future sustainability leader, you can apply for the ASPiRE program by visiting the company's website. For more information, you can also follow APRIL Group on Instagram @discoverapril. The application deadline is July 14, 2023.
