The Award, organised in association with the journal, Poultry World, and offering a £2,000 training grant from Zoetis™, highlights the many opportunities for career advancement not widely recognised outside the poultry industry.

Tony Grainger, Poultry Product Manager of Zoetis, said: “Winning the Trainee of the Year Award is a great feather in the cap for anyone serious about progressing in the poultry industry as it clearly shows their dedication to learning, personal development and improving on their experience. We are committed to the future of the poultry industry and see this award as an excellent opportunity to encourage talented poultry people.

“The award can serve as a great platform to enhance an individual’s personal profile and industry knowledge, putting them in an ideal position to seize opportunities that arise and to facilitate what we hope will be a long, successful and above all enjoyable career in today’s dynamic poultry industry.”

Andrew Large, BPC Chief Executive, commented: “The poultry industry depends on the quality of its workforce to deliver the excellent service to customers for which it is renowned. Our younger employees are a vital part of that team, and it is right that their hard work and perseverance is acknowledged by the industry. The Trainee of the Year Award spotlights the best in the poultry industry and the winner can be justifiably proud, as can the industry itself for rewarding young talent and encouraging new recruits.”

Nathan Raines, Associate Director of Poultec, major training provider to the poultry industry, added: “The award is now well recognised and gives young people something to aspire to. The industry is making progress in getting its message across to teachers and careers advisers – but there’s still much more to be done.”

As well as the Zoetis training grant, the winner receives a £500 cash prize from Poultry World. All three finalists attend the prestigious BPC poultry awards presentations at the House of Commons on 2 December, where the winner will be announced. The judging panel – Phil Clarke, editor of Poultry World, Richard Griffiths of BPC, Tony Grainger of Zoetis and John Newton of ADAS – will chose three finalists

Entries are simple to make and open to all in the industry – with no age limit – but must be received by Friday 19 September. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.fwi.co.uk/poultrytraining or obtained from BHR Communications, The White Cottage, The Street, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2XJ (tel: 0845 402 6527 or e-mail [email protected]).