The Pig Industry Scholarship sets out to do just that and has, since its launch three years ago, proved extremely successful.

A number of students from Harper Adams University who hadn’t even considered the pig industry as a career have been attracted as a result.

Now the organisers are looking for firms willing to invest in the future by sponsoring a student from the university.

AHDB Pork skills development co-ordinator Sam Bowsher said: “The firms that have so far taken part have all found it extremely beneficial and are keen to continue participating as often as they can.

“However, we are also keen to attract as many new firms and organisations to take part in the scheme.”

The scholarship was launched by the NPA Allied Industry Group to recruit highly qualified and committed young entrants into the pig industry and is now administered by Harper Adams and AHDB Pork.

The scheme which includes a paid placement year is open to second year BSc and first year FdSc students studying at Harper and who are interested in a career in the pig industry.

The scheme involves companies offering:

• A 12-month paid placement
• Scholarship of £4,500
• Potential further scholarship of £4,500 in the final year, subject to review after placement period

To register interest, contact Sam Bowsher, [email protected]