2010 Pfizer Poultry Trainee of the Year Award

Of all careers in agriculture the poultry industry probably offers the greatest opportunities for advancement.

Most companies develop their own training schemes, with recognised qualifications obtained in conjunction with those colleges and organisations that specialise in poultry.

Since the poultry industry is dominated by large, often multi-national organisations, there is a real need for bright, well-trained people to move into management roles.

This means training is essential and to provide further encouragement, animal health company Pfizer, in conjunction with Poultry World, runs an annual training award, to recognise some of the industry’s brightest prospects.

Jamie Curston

This year’s finalists all value the training they have received and see how important it is in developing the range of skills necessary to move up the career ladder.

Lianne Jackson

Jamie Curston is already managing a small broiler unit near Ely for the Vion Food Group where his first crop finished third out of 29 in the firm’s league table. He is working towards a diploma in work-based agriculture, advance apprentice shop level 3, which he hopes to complete in April.

Lianne Jackson, who entered the industry with A-levels, has been identified for a trainee manager’s role with Hook2Sisters in South Humberside. She, too, is aiming for a similar qualification in June and, like Jamie, is studying with Poultec.

Ben Pollard had been with Aviagen in East Lothian for several years before recognising the need for a formal qualification and is now near to completing a fast-track S/NVQ level 3 poultry production course with SAC.

A full profile of each candidate was published in last month’s Poultry World and can be seen at here

But which one deserves to win? It’s up to readers to decide. To register your vote, please call 0845 4026 527, fax 0845 4026 528 or e-mail roger@bhrcommmunications.co.uk stating your choice, your name and contact number. Voting closes at midnight on 30 September