The deadline is drawing near for pig managers who want to join the 2012 BPEX Professional Manager Development Scheme (PMDS). Applications must be in by 5pm on 16 September 2011.

The next scheme will start in January 2012 and run until April 2013. Managers will attend a number of training sessions over the course of the year, which feature an evening presentation focused on a particular sector of the industry, followed by a day of management training delivered by Cedar Associates.

Andrew Palmer of Dent Ltd, a 2010 scheme participant, said, "The programme is exactly what the pig industry needed – a course that looks at people skills and team management."

Course organiser Tess Howe said, "Everyone in the group shared one ultimate aim, to improve profitability of the business. It has led to major improvements on farm, from staff motivation to better conception rates and reduced piglet mortalities."

Work-based projects relevant to the manager’s current role will also be carried out. On successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded with a nationally-recognised qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management. Individuals’ background and qualifications will not be the focus for selection: it is their potential and ambition that are important. The selection panel will be looking for individuals who are already in a role with responsibilities and who are in a position to implement change.

The total course cost is £3,200 per person and there is a strong possibility that BPEX levy payers can access funding to contribute to this.

For more information and an application form please contact Tess Howe, BPEX Skills Development Manager on 07779 321078 or e-mail her at tess.howe@bpex.ahdb.org.uk.