Provimi offers new graduate opportunities in pig sector

 

Provimi (formerly SCA NuTec) has developed a new graduate training programme and taken on its first recruit, Jonathan McKechnie. Jonathan graduated from Writtle College, Essex, with a degree in agriculture and business management in July 2009. He supported his course with practical experience on a pig unit and pork retailing business in Essex.

“This is an important development for both Provimi and for the UK pig industry,” says commercial pig manager Tim Sawyer. “As an industry we must encourage young pig enthusiasts, provide them with a solid training and harness their innovative ideas. Finding new young blood and developing their careers is one of our biggest challenges,” he adds.

Provimi is encouraging its businesses around the world to look at training programmes for young people. “The company has a great deal to offer new recruits,” adds Mr Sawyer. “And Jonathan’s training reflects this. We are providing him with a comprehensive programme from practical pig farming to international technical seminars and commercial workshops.”

Already, in the first three months, Jonathan has spent time on Provimi’s research unit in Holland and attended technical conferences with representatives from the company’s pig teams worldwide. He has also spent time working on a large scale outdoor unit and will follow this with time on an indoor unit.

“The opportunity to attend an international technical conference in my first month was fantastic.” says Jonathan. “There was a lot to take in but so many new developments to learn about. And the experience of working on a wide range of pig units is invaluable. I’m experiencing the whole production chain and getting a feel for the application of new nutritional ideas in a practical environment.”

Looking ahead to the next nine months, Jonathan will spend time with Provimi’s customer services team and the production operation. “We monitor Jonathan’s progress carefully,” adds Tim Sawyer. “It is important that he gains as much experience as possible from his programme and we are optimistic that he will develop a career in the industry.

“Looking ahead, we plan to repeat the programme with other graduates. The UK pig industry will benefit from the training and development of young, enthusiastic pig professionals.”

 

The Provimi Group is active worldwide in several types of animal nutrition and is a leader in all markets where it is present. It employs about 7,000 people and had annual sales of 1.6 billion in 2010. Provimi has 67 production centres in 26 countries and exports to over 100. Provimi manufactures products and supplies technical support for various species, predominantly ruminants, poultry and swine.