New egg academy launches in UK

The UK egg industry sees a shortage of people entering the workforce. Photo: Poultry World

A shortage of people entering the UK egg industry has prompted one of the nation’s major retailers to join forces with academics, producers and wider stakeholders to set up an egg academy.

Despite being an industry worth more than £1bn to the UK economy, there is very little training currently available, which is why the sector has come together to develop the British Egg Academy.

Morrisons’ own integrated egg operation has teamed up with Chippindale Foods and 27 companies across the egg industry to help set up and promote the academy at Bishop Burton College, near Beverley, Yorkshire.

We’re proud to be the main partner of Bishop Burton College’s British Egg Academy.” – Morrisons

Morrisons are the 4th largest supermarket in the UK and a spokesman said: “We’re proud to be the main partner of Bishop Burton College’s British Egg Academy.” Among the companies taking part are the British Egg Industry Council, British Free Range Egg Producers Association, ForFarmers, Joice and Hill, Humphrey Feeds and Pullets, Huvepharma, Potters Poultry and Wot-A-Pullet.

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Work-based learning

The one year qualification, starting in January 2021, will be a Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture with training and work-based learning from the supporting companies. Assessment is through traditional and contemporary methods such as practical and written assessments and blended learning. Work experience forms a large part of the programme and opportunities for placements have been identified across the country. At the end of the Academy there will be a day hosted by Morrisons where students and representatives from all companies will come together: “This will give students the chance to network with company representatives and discuss opportunities going forwards.” The course is set to start with a virtual open event on 27 August.