Poultry companies investing in scholarships

Companies from across the poultry industry have offered 14 Harper Adams students 12-month sponsored placements and grants towards the cost of university.

The scheme is a joint initiative with the university, the British Poultry Council, and companies ranging from breeding firm Aviagen to hatchery PD Hook, as well as integrators such as Faccenda.

Students studying agriculture, agri-business or animal science at Harper Adams are eligible for the scheme, and those chosen receive a grant of £3,500 for up to two academic years, as well as a guaranteed paid placement with the sponsoring company in a sandwich year.

See also: Skills shortages in the poultry industry.

David Long, 20, who was selected by Bernard Matthews, said: “The BPC scholarship will give me a great advantage in my studies, allowing me to gain a high-level of experience to take into a future job within the industry.” He added his placement would involve working across the entire production line.

Aviagen’s scholar, Catherine Gawn, will have the opportunity to see the firm’s overseas operations, as well as pedigree and grandparent farms in Scotland.

Gressingham Foods, Moy Park, Cargill Meats Europe and Cranberry Foods also took on scholars for the year. Across all subjects, Harper Adams University has facilitated a total of 98 scholarships this year, which it says have a value of £280,000.

Pic: The 14 scholars with John Reed, BPC chairman