Tulip Ltd has invested £20,000 of its Apprenticeship Levy to support two farming apprentices at Hart Farm in Norfolk.

Tulip is one of the first food manufacturers to reinvest the funds and will support the training for two stockperson apprentices for 18 months, with on-site training being provided by Easton and Otley College.

Developed by farmers for practical use on farms and in this case with a focus on pigs, the role will train the apprentices to raise animals with optimal welfare and consideration for their needs throughout the different stages of their life.

The two apprentices are Lily McIntosh and Evie Wilkes, both aged 17. Wilkes said: “I really enjoy working outside with the pigs and have loved farming since I was a child. I see the apprenticeship as a real opportunity to learn while I am earning and hope it will open up new opportunities for me within the farming industry”. Lily added “I am really excited about starting my apprenticeship and being given the opportunity to learn whilst gaining valuable experience on the farm. I really love working with the pigs and will hopefully have my own pigs someday.”

Andrew Saunders, agricultural director at Tulip Ltd, said: “As the country’s largest pig farmer and producer of pork, its imperative that we continue to invest in our fully integrated supply chain and support our farming partners. Bringing in new talent is important for the whole agriculture industry and this apprenticeship funding showcases our desire to work closely with our farmers to ensure they have a sustainable future and can continue to demonstrate innovative and best-in-class farming techniques.”