The awards, organised in association with the journals, Pig World and Poultry World, are recognised as demonstrating the importance of training in enabling pig and poultry producers to meet the increasingly competitive food quality, safety and welfare standards.

"The future of both the pig and poultry industries depends on having a skilled and dedicated work force," says Brian Geary, director of Pfizer's UK pig and poultry business unit. "School leavers, along with teachers and careers advisers, need to be more aware of the opportunities within these industries. The awards have clearly shown the talent, enthusiasm and commitment among the work force, and we're delighted to sponsor the awards to encourage others to look to a future in pig or poultry production."

From its introduction, the pig award has been decided by a judging panel, headed again this year by Yorkshire farmer, Richard Longthorp, who has played a leading role in shaping today's national training schemes.

This time, the poultry award will also be decided by a judging panel which includes ADAS consultant, John Newton, who has been a judge for the Farmers Weekly Poultry Farmer of the Year for the past three years.

Mr Newton said: "Poultry is a great industry to get on in. You can begin at a low level and, if you have the ability and ambition, work your way up to a senior tier of management."

In September, the two judging panels will interview candidates, with the three finalists invited to the presentation event at the House of Commons where the winner will be announced. Pfizer will provide hotel accommodation in London for the finalists and their partners.

The 2010 winner of the Pfizer Pig Trainee of the Year Award was Kate Munro-Ashman who manages an outdoor sow unit in Berkshire, with the poultry award going to Benjamin Pollard who works in pedigree breeding with Aviagen in Scotland.

Anyone developing their skills through recognised training can enter, and there is no age limit. The deadline for entries for both awards is 29 July.

Entry forms can also be downloaded online – for the poultry award, click here; for the pig award, click here. They are also available from BHR Communications, The White Cottage, The Street, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2XJ (tel 0845 402 6527 or e-mail [email protected].