The Pig Industry Scholarship scheme, run in conjunction with BPEX and industry partners, aims to secure potential new entrants into the industry. Successful students will receive a second year scholarship of £3,500, a 12-month paid industrial placement, and the possibility of a final year scholarship of £3,500.

The scheme is being funded by pig industry companies and is a model already successfully adopted in other sectors, such as poultry.

It will be available to second year degree students at Harper Adams in Shropshire, with BPEX sourcing suitable companies to host the placement year.

Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn, said: "Harper Adams is committed to identifying the areas within agriculture where there is a requirement for high quality graduates.

"We will be working with BPEX, the NPA and the companies involved in the scheme to highlight the exciting career options available within the pig industry.

"It is a vibrant sector with great opportunities for the right individuals, and this scholarship should provide an incentive to encourage students to find a career in the pig sector and its allied industries."

The scholarship was officially launched at this year's Pig and Poultry Live, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Recruitment will begin with those students entering their second year of study in September.

National Pig Association (NPA) Allied Industry Group Chairman, Peter Rollings, said: "The scholarship programme is a way to help pig industry companies recruit high-calibre new employees.

"It will demonstrate to students the wide range of exciting opportunities offered by the pig industry and help establish a relationship with a student early, in year two of their studies.

"The placement year element can also be viewed as a valuable 'year-long interview' opportunity."

Interested companies should register with BPEX by the end of June 2013. A student placement fair will be held on campus in October to showcase the companies and scholarships available.