The programme was launched before an invited audience, at SAC's Auchincruive campus by Jan Morris, Human Resources Director at Aviagen. She was supported by Lauren McCallie, a colleague and former SAC student.

Aviagen is seeking to encourage young adults into the UK agricultural sector as part of its ongoing commitment to the UK poultry industry. Its scholarship rewards successful applicants with a year-long work placement with the Aviagen Group and financial support, totalling £7,000, covering both their second and final year of studies.

left to right: Jan Morris, Human Resources Director, Aviagen; SAC students: Carolina Berman, Astrid Shaw and Ping Zhou; Nick Sparks, Head of Avian Research and Dean of Centre, SAC

The Aviagen UK Scholarship programme, supported by the British Poultry Council, comes at a time when the global poultry industry is growing, with demand for inexpensive protein increasing across the world. As the world's largest poultry breeder, Aviagen is offering students a unique opportunity to forge a successful, long-term career in a growing sector of the UK agriculture industry.

Jan Morris of Aviagen explained they were delighted to forge a partnership with SAC.

She explained: "SAC is a highly respected agricultural educational institution. We share the same passion for developing young talent in the industry and we look forward to receiving applications for the Scholarship from some of the College’s brightest stars."

Lauren McCallie, who graduated from SAC Auchincruive in 2008 with an Honours Degree in Applied Bioscience, outlined her career with the company. She had begun as a management trainee.

Successful students will be selected in their second year of studies. The closing date for applications by is 31 May. Interviews will take place during the first week in June, with a paid work placement beginning in July, working on Aviagen production facilities in the UK and overseas. Students will then return to SAC to complete a final year of study

Ms Morris added: "A career with Aviagen enables you to learn about a huge array of different disciplines and the potential to travel to different parts of the world. We can provide a wide range of career opportunities and are always looking for passionate, interested new talent to start a journey with us."

SAC Vice Principal, David McKenzie, Head of Learning, said: "I am delighted that SAC are part of this exciting new venture with Aviagen. The scholarship provides a great opportunity for the successful applicants to embark on an interesting and stimulating career in this dynamic industry. Successful students will be supported during their time at SAC by a dedicated team of poultry specialists and agricultural scientists, all passionate about their subject areas. During their placement with Aviagen the students will be privileged to work with some of the most experienced people in the poultry industry."

Ayr-based SAC Poultry Lecturer, Lorraine McAulay, says reaction to the opportunity offered by Aviagen is very positive.

She explained: "Student response to the launch of this scholarship has been excellent. The staff involved in developing and organising the structure of the scholarship are very enthusiastic about the opportunities it provides, and look forward to delivering the poultry topics within our Agriculture and related degree programmes in future years."