Pig industry encourages new members

- Published: 03 September, 2008

New members of the pig industry have been encouraged to sign up to the industry's professional development scheme, and be in with the chance of winning a Red Letter Day voucher worth £125.

The Pig Industry Professional Register (PIPR) is the first continual professional development scheme to be launched in the livestock sector. It is open to all staff within the industry, including students and people just joining the industry who are keen to develop their potential.

To qualify for the PIPR new entrant category - and the chance to win the voucher in a draw - you need to meet one or more of the following criteria:

· Be in full-time post-16 education

· Be registered on a pig-related course (including General Agriculture)

· Be working full-time in agriculture, involving pigs, and be able to provide a supporting letter from your employer to say that they are supporting you with PIPR-related training in order for you to gain 30 PIPR points which will then let you qualify to become a full member.

Chairman of pig industry skills development Richard Longthorp said: "One of the three primary objectives of the original pig industry skills strategy was to make the industry more attractive to the new breed of highly aspirational young people leaving our schools, colleges and universities.

"The introduction of the new entrant's category for PIPR will, I am sure, be a major step forward in helping the industry stand toe-to-toe with other industries in competing for the attentions of those top people."

The new entrant category is free of charge. However, when you progress on to the full scheme you will have to pay the relevant membership fees.