Deadline approaching for industry training award
Just two weeks remain for trainees to enter the 2010 Pfizer Trainee of the Year Award, worth more than £2500 to the winner.
Now into its fourth year, the award provides a boost to career prospects as well as the opportunity to receive the trophy during a prestigious ceremony at the House of Commons. The £2000 training grant is paid to the employer to benefit the winner, who also receives a £500 cash prize.
The winner of the first award in 2007, Christopher Rees from Moy Park, opted for a distance learning course which involves day release at the Holbeach campus, attached to the University of Lincoln. He completes a Foundation Degree in Agriculture and Environment at the end of 2010.
He has recently been studying the use of renewable energy in agriculture including anaerobic digestion, wind and solar power. “With the amount of energy used in the poultry industry, I’m sure this is something that will play an increasing role in this country,” he said.
The 2008 winner, Daniel Bush, didn’t start looking after broilers until he had been with Crown Chicken in Norfolk for 10 years, mainly driving feed trucks. He grasped the opportunity to work on an 180,000-bird broiler unit at Swainsthorpe, which he now manages.
Half of his award went towards a one-week course in HGV driving at Norwich, with the rest spent on training in people management.
Matthew Ward, agricultural director of Crown Chicken, describes his attitude towards training as “great”, which bodes well for his future. “When the right role comes up within the company, we will certainly move Daniel up to the next grade, he said.”
How to enter
• Anyone who is developing their skills through on-the-job training can enter the 2010 Pfizer Trainee of the Year Award, or they can be nominated by a manager.
• Entry forms can be downloaded at www.fwi.co.uk/poultrytraining (PDF), or obtained by emailing poultry.world@rbi.co.uk, telephoning 020 8652 4921 or faxing 020 8652 4006.
• The deadline for entries is 16 July when the judges will draw up a shortlist of three finalists to be featured in Poultry World. Then in September readers will vote for the winner, with the presentation taking place in November.
• Send your completed entry form to Pfizer Trainee of the Year, BHR Communications, The White Cottage, The Street, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2XJ. Entries can also be faxed to 0845 402 6528 or emailed to roger@bhrcommunications.co.uk.
• For any queries contact Roger Ransom on 0845 402 6527.