Four companies have secured scholars from Harper Adams University to take part in the first Pig Industry Scholarship programme, which includes a paid industrial placement year.
The new scholarship, which is facilitated by BPEX and Harper Adams, was launched to students at the University last month, as a practical step to help secure potential new entrants to the pig industry.
The high level of student interest in the pig industry surpassed all expectations when six companies attended the Harper Adams scholarship fair. ARM Buildings, BOCM PAULS, Farmex, Piggy Green, Provimi and Wayland Farms did a great job of showcasing the broad and exciting range of career opportunities in the industry, from pig production to nutrition and engineering.
“We were really hoping that all the interest at the fair converted into applications for scholarships and were thrilled that a total of 35 students applied across all six companies,” BPEX’s Samantha Bowsher said.
“Four companies have since interviewed and secured high-calibre agricultural degree students, who will join them for their industrial placement year in summer 2014 on the full scholarship programme, and the other two companies are still looking to recruit a student for their industrial placement year.”
Companies in the Pig Industry Scholarship programme provide a second-year scholarship of £3,500 to degree students at Harper Adams and a minimum 12-month paid industrial placement. They will then also have the option to award a final year scholarship of £3,500.
