British Poultry Council scholarship scheme expands at Harper Adams

Harper Adams students are to compete for a range of scholarships from companies in the poultry industry, which will offer a bursary and paid placement.

The scheme is facilitated by the British Poultry Council (BPC), which has supported the scholarships for four years. Students are awarded funding for up to two years of academic study and take on a year-long paid placement with the company that makes the grant.

Banham Poultry and 2 Sisters Food Group have both entered the scheme for the first time this year. They join Aviagen, Bernard Matthews Foods, Cargill Meats Europe, Faccenda Foods, Gressingham Foods, PD Hook, Kelly Turkeys and Moy Park.

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This year the funding offered has also increased by £1,000 to £4,500, reflecting an increase in tuition fees.

The companies will present their work placement opportunities to second-year students on agriculture and food courses in the autumn, ready to receive their scholars in summer 2015.

Dr David Llewellyn, vice-chancellor at Harper Adams, said the package had been successful in generating interest in the poultry industry.

“Students have been attracted to these opportunities and have graduated, determined to make their careers in the sector, many returning to their placement employer following their work experience year.”

Andrew Large, BPC chief executive, said: “We attach the utmost importance to recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent into the poultry meat sector and look forward to working with our members, the scholars and Harper Adams University to offer the widest possible opportunities to experience all the poultry sector has to offer.”