Norfolk stockman wins trainee award

UK - The revamped Pfizer Pig Trainee of the Year Award has been scooped by to Paul Hume, who manages an outdoor breeding unit for Bowes of Norfolk. His determination, eagerness to learn and motivation skills secured him the prize of a 32000 training grant plus 3500 cash.
calendar icon 31 October 2007
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Paul was presented with his award by Lord Rooker, Minister of State, Defra, at the Farmers Club, London.

Judges Stewart Houston, chairman of BPEX and the NPA, David Roberts of Pfizer Animal Health, and industry consultant Gerry Brent said that they were impressed by the determined way that Paul has developed his position and expertise, following a career with a major retailer. He now holds a senior position leading a five-man team on a 1000-sow enterprise.

Paul Hume, Pfizer Trainee of the Year 2007, and his wife Marie, with Lord Rooker

All agreed that he was a fine example of how having the right attitude to learning can offset lack of previous experience. His motivation to continued personal development increases interest and job satisfaction a factors that contributes to the rest of the team and business success.

Significant contribution
"Paul is keen to acknowledge the training he was given by his employers and to learn the skills required to care for the animals and manage and motivate others. He uses his skills to encourage those working with him to use training to develop their abilities to contribute to business success," they said.

Paul joined Bowes in December 2003 after several years with a major retailer. He has worked on the outdoor unit at Bircham in north Norfolk since it was opened three years ago and became manager in February last year. His training has been provided in-house by Bowes and through the East of England Pig Training Group based at Easton College, Norwich.

Paul lives at West Winch near King's Lynn with his wife Marie and two young children. He intends to use the £2000 grant to extend his knowledge of pig physiology, nutrition and financial aspects to support his practical experience and help further his career.

This year's runners-up were William Vernall, of Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough, a stockperson on JSR Farming's Caenby site in Lincolnshire; and Hayley Watson, of Nordelph, near Downham Market, also employed by Bowes of Norfolk at their Hill Farm 600-sow indoor breeding unit at Whittington, near Stoke Ferry.

The Pig Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health and organised by industry journal Pig World and the National Pig Association, recognises the growing importance of workplace training as part of the increasing standards of food safety and animal welfare and tough market competition.

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