Independent review of pig training provision completed

We have completed an independent review of training provision across the English pig sector, with plans now under way to establish a cross-sector working group to turn the report's recommendations into a practical action plan for the future.

The review concluded that there is a clear need for coordinated industry action to strengthen recruitment, retention, skills development and career progression across pig production, livestock haulage and abattoir lairage.

Commissioned by AHDB and undertaken by Dr Sam Hoste, Dr Lindsay Heasman and Helen Cuppello, the review was conducted between January and April 2026.

It drew on extensive engagement with the industry, with input through 43 face-to-face interviews and an anonymous online survey. Thank you to everyone who inputted into the review and provided valuable insight that will ensure the work driven by the review is grounded in the realities that the industry is facing.

The review found that the pig sector faces significant workforce challenges, driven by a tightening labour market, changing expectations from new entrants and increasing competition from other industries offering clearer career pathways.

It also highlighted the need to move beyond viewing training as a series of isolated courses and instead adopt a broader professional development approach that supports recruitment, accreditation, continuous learning and career progression.

The report sets out 16 recommendations designed to help future-proof the sector's workforce.

The highest-priority recommendation is the creation of a dedicated working group to drive implementation of the remaining recommendations and maintain momentum for change.

We will now work with to establish the group, to be chaired by AHDB Pork Sector Council Member Becca Spink, bringing together representatives from across the sector, including independent pig farms, integrators, training providers, retailers, hauliers, education providers, Red Tractor and Defra.

The group’s role will be to review the report's recommendations, assess their potential impact and practicality, and develop a phased action plan for delivery across the sector.

Importantly, the review recognises that while there is strong appetite for change, there is currently no sector-wide mechanism to coordinate activity. The working group will help ensure that recommendations are prioritised, refined where necessary and translated into meaningful action rather than remaining as standalone recommendations.

The ambition is for the working group to develop a fully costed implementation plan by the end of March 2027, including delivery timelines, resource requirements and potential delivery partners.

This will provide the foundation for a more coordinated and professional approach to skills, training and workforce development across the English pig sector.

The review contains 16 recommendations covering training provision, professional development, accreditation, career pathways and industry collaboration.

The full 49-page report is available on request; please email pork.kt@ahdb.org.uk

Our existing stockperson training programme will continue unchanged during the current financial year, with around 30 training sessions scheduled between October 2026 and May 2027.

These courses will remain a core part of our training offer while longer-term plans are developed.

If you have questions about our training programmes, get in touch with one of the team or email pork.training@ahdb.org.uk