The scheme was launched last year and attracted six companies wishing to provide a scholarship and placement for a student in the hope it would help secure potential new entrants to the pig industry.

Four companies then successfully secured students and are continuing their support for the scheme into its second year.

BPEX Skills Development Co-ordinator Samantha Bowsher said: “This is an important step forward and we are delighted to have eight companies taking part this year.

“Those eight companies cover the entire pig industry from production and feed to buildings and a veterinary business. It demonstrates how important it is to attract top quality new entrants to all areas of the pig industry.”

The eight confirmed businesses involved for the this year are: Wayland Farms, BOCM Pauls, ARM Buildings, Provimi, Rattlerow Farms, Packington Pork, AB Agri and the Garth Partnership.

Last year’s pig industry scholarship students who will be starting their placements this summer are Josie Hatch – Provimi; Lauren Turner – BOCM Pauls; Thomas Oates – Wayland Farms and Sam Stephenson – ARM Buildings.