PD Hook launches new scholarship to help new poultry entrants
PD Hook Group has launched a new scholarship with the aim of attracting young people into the poultry sector.
James Hook, Managing Director explained that it is widely accepted that the ‘Industry has a lack of new talent coming on stream. We wanted to do our bit by encouraging youngsters into our business. If we can attract them while studying at college, we can hopefully keep them in the industry and they will then become the next generation of Poultry Workers and Managers’.
So PD Hook set out to develop four Scholarships, where students can apply to spend their placement year at PD Hook. One will be in Scotland with the SAC, one with Easton College in and the remaining two with Harper Adams University College.
‘They will receive a £3500 Scholarship and undertake a structured work programme’ outlined Jackie Newman, HR Manager. She has drawn up a structured programme with the aim of giving each student experience in all areas of the business, Rearing, Breeding and Hatcheries.
It will consist of four months on a Rearing farm, another four on a Breeder farm and the remaining time in the Hatchery. Each will be allocated to a General Manager
‘After finishing the course, they will then come back and work for us for a year after completing their studies course. We have the jobs available and there are lots of opportunities to progress’ adds Jackie
So far, PD Hook has appointed the Scottish Scholarship to Tristan Nichols, who is studying for a Diploma in Poultry. But the other three are still open to students that have an interest in poultry. And the company is planning to have the same number next year.
To find out more or apply for a Scholarship, contact Andrew Farley at Easton College (Tel:01603 731200 www.easton-college.ac.uk) or Matthew Back at Harper Adams University College (Tel: 01952 815361 www.harper-adams.ac.uk).
PD Hook Scholarship
• Encourage new people into sector
• Placement plus 1 year employment
• Structured
• Four in first year