Recruitment is underway for companies to employ and mentor students during 2025/2026 through the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme (PISP).
The scholarship was developed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the National Pig Association (NPA) and Harper Adams University in 2012.
The programme seeks to aid in the development of the next generation of the pig industry.
Sponsoring companies get priority access to placement-seeking students from Harper Adams University.
AHDB said the programme is a fantastic way for a business to show that it cares about upskilling the next generation and is a great way to attract new talent.
The deadline to express interest in getting involved with the programme is Monday, September 2.
A ‘brilliant opportunity’
Food producer Cranswick said its PISP students have always had a positive attitude and have been happy to participate in a wide range of projects, completing them all to a high standard.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to give students access to not only the pig industry but the wider food industry, and show them the breadth of career opportunities available,” it said.
“The students are based within a team but also get to travel through the whole business, which gives them responsibility as well as exposure to the roles in the wider food and agriculture industries.’’
In May, representatives of the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme steering committee joined sponsoring companies at the Harper Adams University Development Trust Scholarship Presentation to award the 2023/24 recipients.
The annual event sees students, sponsors, donors, university employees and trustees getting together to congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients and to thank the sponsors and donors.
The students received a scholarship valued at £4,500 and will begin a one-year paid work placement with the sponsoring companies this summer.
