The BPC has sponsored scholarships for Harper Adams’ students for four years. Students compete for the awards, which provide the winning scholars with funding for up to two academic years plus a guaranteed, paid placement year with a partner company.

Banham Poultry Ltd and Two Sisters Food Group have entered the scheme this year, joining Aviagen, Bernard Matthews Foods, Cargill Meats Europe, Faccenda Foods, Gressingham Foods, PD Hook, Kelly Turkeys and Moy Park.

The companies will present their work placement opportunities to second year students on agriculture and food courses in the autumn, ready to receive their scholars in summer 2015.

Andrew Large, Chief Executive of the BPC, said: "The British Poultry Council is again delighted to be working with Harper Adams University in support of the poultry scholarships.

"We attach the utmost importance to recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent into the poultry meat sector and look forward to working with our members, the scholars and Harper Adams University to offer the widest possible opportunities to experience all that the poultry sector has to offer."

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn, added: "We were delighted to learn that the BPC is expanding its support for our students. The addition of two companies to the scheme and the increase in the scholarships’ financial value are very welcome, and can only serve to enhance the scheme’s objective to draw new talent into the poultry industry.

"The scheme has been hugely successful – students who had not previously considered working in poultry have been attracted to these opportunities and have graduated determined to make their careers in the sector, many returning to their placement employer following their work experience year.

"We look forward to introducing our students to Banham Poultry Ltd and Two Sisters Food Group this year, and are extremely pleased that they have decided to join this ground-breaking collaboration between industry and the University."