Pig Industry Scholarship

The programme was developed by AHDB, the NPA and Harper Adams University in 2012. It is managed by a steering group of industry and university representatives and is chaired by Hugh Crabtree, AHDB Pork sector council member.

The programme has seen more than 50 students spend their placement year within the pig industry, with many returning to their placement company after graduation.

What are the benefits to businesses?

• Attract potential new employees from a huge pool of talent
• Gain first access to students who are looking for a 12-month industry placement
• Be seen as a business that cares about upskilling the next generation
• Establish a relationship with a student early in their studies
• Opportunity to train and appraise student during a ‘year-long interview’
• Financial investment is comparable to advertising in the national farming press and is often tax-deductible

Get involved

We're looking for businesses to get involved for the 2027/2028 academic year (students who will be starting their placements in the summer of 2027); expressions of interest close on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

There will be a scholarship fair on Monday 19 October 2026. This provides you with an opportunity to meet students at Harper Adams University, discuss the opportunities within your business, explain the application process and promote your businesses to students studying a wide variety of courses.

If you're interested in getting involved and would like more information, please get in touch.

Get in touch

For more information about the Pig Industry Scholarship and becoming a sponsor, get in touch with Jane Batchelor (AHDB) or Doris Taylor from the Development Trust at Harper Adams University: dtaylor@harper-adams.ac.uk.

Pig Industry Scholarship Programme presentation 2026

Scholarships were presented by Hugh Crabtree MBE, PISP Steering Committee Chair, to the following students: Grace Ogley – Cargill; Holly Tingle – Myton Food Group; Sophie Manton – Quality Equipment - G.E. Baker (UK) Ltd; Owen Silvester – Rattlerow; Darcy Brass – Sofina Foods; Louise Dixon – Sofina Foods; Rachel Robinson – Sofina Foods.

We want to demonstrate the wide variety of opportunities that the pig industry offers and we welcome interest from all areas of the industry. Including, but not limited to:

• Engineering 
• Food processing and manufacturing
• Genetics
• New product development
• Nutrition
• Pharmaceuticals
• Pig production
• Transport and logistics
• Veterinary science

What do students receive?

• Twelve month paid placement with a partner company
• £4,500 scholarship
• Potential further scholarship of £4,500 in the final year (subject to review after placement period)

The scheme is open to students studying at Harper Adams University in their second year BSc and first year FdSc.

Listen to our podcasts to learn more about the programme and hear from participants:

Watch our webinar recording to learn more (2020)