New sponsors sought for Pig Industry Scholarship

The Pig Industry Scholarship is on the look out for new sponsors for the 2024-25 programme. 

The programme is open to students with relevant academic interests and different backgrounds, including agriculture, bio-veterinary science, business, engineering, and agri-food and marketing.

The scholarship and one-year placement provide students a clear route into the pig industry and showcases the variety of roles and career opportunities available throughout the supply chain. For businesses interested in graduate recruitment, it offers great value for money, Charlotte Evans, AHDB's head of engagement pork said.

The Harper Adams University Development Trust runs the scholarship process on behalf of employers, making it easy for companies to sponsor and employ high-calibre, proactive students. AHDB has been involved with the programme since 2012, working alongside the NPA’s Allied Industry Group and Harper.

"It offers first access to a large pool of talent and an opportunity to appraise students during, what is effectively, a year-long interview," Charlotte said. "The relationships formed between students and businesses early in their studies will hopefully lead to a continued interest and desire to remain in the industry."

A total of 37 students have taken part in the programme to date, and last year, eight companies across the supply chain offered scholarships.

"We welcome interest from all areas of the pig industry, and if you are keen to develop and recruit future talent, now is the time to get involved," Ms Evans said.

The deadline to become a sponsor during 2024–2025 is August 31, 2023, and placements will start in summer 2024.

For more information about PISP and becoming a sponsor, contact Charlotte.