Pig Industry Scholarship Programme: Cultivating future talent

A pioneering initiative is helping shape the next generation of pig industry professionals. Find out how the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme has shaped Chloe Rodriguez' career path.

The Pig Industry Scholarship Programme, developed collaboratively by AHDB, Harper Adams University and the National Pig Association (NPA), offers participating businesses from across the pig industry first access to students looking for a one-year industry placement – many of whom go on to become valued employees at the companies they work with.

The programme combines academic learning with practical industry placements and provides not only financial support but also a paid year in industry and access to a valuable network of contacts.

The Pig Industry Scholarship Programme has an established track record of attracting students who are passionate about the pig industry. One such student is Chloe Rodriguez, whose journey from a student at Harper Adams University to an Animal Welfare Specialist at Galebreaker exemplifies the impact of the programme.

Chloe's story highlights how the combination of on-farm experience and science-based learning helped her transition into a full-time role, reflecting the value of industry collaboration in shaping future talent.

Chloe Rodriguez – From student to specialist

Job role: Animal Welfare Specialist
Employer: Galebreaker (agricultural solutions provider)
Placement period: 2022/2023

Chloe Rodriguez began her journey into the pig industry at Harper Adams University in September 2020, with a passion for livestock health and welfare but no clear career path. A conversation with one of her lecturers led her to explore a placement year with Galebreaker, via the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme.

The opportunity offered a unique blend of flexibility, combining on-farm experience with theory and science-based learning and tapped into Chloe’s passions for sustainability and animal health and welfare.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Chloe navigated the online application process and engaged in one-to-one discussions with Galebreaker to learn more about the opportunity. She was particularly intrigued by the pig sector’s focus on environmental impact and housing systems.

Following her placement, Chloe graduated with a degree in Veterinary Bioscience and joined Galebreaker as an Animal Welfare Specialist. Her journey reflects the value of industry collaboration and the impact of targeted scholarship programmes in shaping future talent.

Scholarship experience

Chloe expressed her gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme, stating that it cemented her passion for enhancing animal health.

She hopes to make a long-term contribution to the industry in her new role and is already applying insights gained from her experience in the pig industry to other areas of livestock management.

Chloe said:

“The opportunities that the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme offers are incredible. Too often, students don’t take advantage of what’s available.

“The scholarship not only provides financial support but also a paid year in industry and a network of contacts that give you a solid foundation for future opportunities. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out.”

Employer’s commitment

Galebreaker has been participating in the scholarship programme for three years, demonstrating its commitment to encouraging new entrants into the livestock sector.

Galebreaker’s technical director, Andrew Gardener, said:

“We are excited to continue supporting the next generation of industry leaders through our scholarship initiative. During her time with us, Chloe developed excellent consultancy skills and, as she rejoins the business, will work closely with our farm customers.”

Sponsor recruitment 

Recruitment for sponsors for the 2026/2027 academic year (students who will be starting their placements in the summer of 2026) is open. The deadline for expressing an interest is Monday 1 September 2025, and there will be a scholarship fair on Monday 20 October 2025.

Chloe Rodriguez, Animal Welfare Specialist at Galebreaker