March 14, 2013

Demand for poultry apprenticeships in the UK is on the rise with up to 20 applicants applying for each advertised apprenticeship position.

This was revealed by the figures from the British Poultry Council.

The rise in demand for apprenticeships has been announced to coincide with the launch of the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week which takes place from March 11-15, 2013. It is supported by manufacturing industries across the UK, including the British Poultry industry.

"To see such a high level of demand for apprenticeships in the industry is a real indication of the value of a career in poultry production and food manufacturing," said Peter Bradnock, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council. "There are a huge number of opportunities available to become an apprentice in the poultry industry, on farms, in hatcheries or in processing plants. We are delighted that so many young people are considering this highly rewarding career."

Nathan Raines, Academy Manager at Poultec Training Ltd, who provide Apprenticeships for the Poultry industry as well as a range of other sectors, commented, "We have seen a clear upward trend across the board in demand for apprenticeships this year, particularly in the poultry industry, which is highly competitive. This is very encouraging considering agricultural apprenticeships have traditionally been hard to fill.

"The industry is well paid, it attracts people who like to work with animals and is crying out for qualified and enthusiastic young people."

There are currently 250 apprentices on the poultry programme who receive both training and assessment on the farm. Apprentices achieve a work-based diploma in Agriculture and choose optional units to tailor the apprenticeship to the job role.