Careers
PEOPLE
We are dedicated to developing the talents of young people within the Poultry Industry. We offer Apprenticeship Schemes for new entrants, which incorporate a formal training programme and qualification to ensure we have the right skilled people for now and the future.
We continue to train and develop people within the business with regular training in bio security, bird welfare and health and safety.
P.D. Hook is committed to investing in people in order to drive the Poultry Industry forward
APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships are available in all aspects of Poultry Production. You will be able to participate in Level 2 Poultry Production at the start of your Career and advance onto Level 3 for Farm and Hatchery Management posts. Higher Level qualifications learning Leadership Skills or Personal Development are also available as you continue your career thorough the Company.
In-House training for our Employees plays an essential part in our success. Training not only equips you with the knowledge and skills required to carry out tasks efficiently and improve productivity, it helps to enhance your work satisfaction.
Gain relevant real world experiences with a mix of academic learning and hands-on work
POULTRY PASSPORT
You will be required to enrol onto the Poultry Passport training scheme after your successful probationary period.
The British Poultry Training Scheme was developed to give consistent levels of training for each job role across the UK Poultry Industry with an industry wide training recording system. Each job role has a minimum training requirement which is defined on each member’s Poultry Passport. As training is completed it is recorded on your Poultry Passport, identifying completed training and where further training is required
PLACEMENTS
We offer a number of different ways in which to experience Placements with us. Whether it is during your holidays or a Sandwich placement during your University or College course we will support your individual needs which in turn supports your study and your advancement within our Company
WORK EXPERIENCE
Work Experience can be offered to suit you.
Do you wish to have a taster day with us?
Would you like to gain experience for a few weeks, one day a week – might even form part of your studies?
Here at P.D. Hook we pride ourselves on supporting Students to introduce you to a future Career and this is the best way to gain a real sense of the Poultry industry
I sort of fell into the Poultry Industry by accident, I was studying A level Maths, Economics and Accountancy but found it wasn’t for me. I was desperate to do something else, so my dad who worked for Aviagen Turkeys managed to help me secure an ‘As and When’ position in the Grantham Hatchery to keep me going until I decided what I wanted to do. I loved the Hatchery from day one and made the decision to stay and try to progress.
I started with P.D. Hook as an Assistant Manager, six months into my time here a Hatchery Manager position became vacant. I felt I had done well up to that point, so expressed my interest with Adrian Rushby. At 23 years old and only 7 months on from leaving Aviagen Turkeys as a Hatchery Operative, PD Hook took a gamble and gave me the Hatchery Managers role. I’m sure there are very few companies out there who would have done the same.
My knowledge has grown immensely since I joined the Company just over two years ago. Firstly I was able to see the Affcot Hatchery refurbishment. In those 10 months I was able to work on my weakest area inside the Hatchery, which was the maintenance/engineering side. People management is a skill that has massively improved in my time under Hooks.
What I love about my job is you get the freedom and responsibility to run a Hatchery, but you aren’t bound to the office all day. There are plenty of opportunities to go out, get stuck in, and get your hands dirty.
The advise I would give to someone is, as long as they are willing to put the hours in, do the early mornings after the late night call outs, get their hands dirty, then go for it! There is nothing more rewarding than working within the Poultry Industry
DANIEL ASHLEY
P.D. HOOK HATCHERY MANAGER
I have worked in the Poultry Industry for 7 years now. I felt it was an interesting, challenging industry to which I felt I could potentially build a long term career from. A fantastic opportunity arose for a Trainee Area Manager; I saw this as a chance to gain valuable experience which would help me reach my goal of becoming an Area Manager in the future.
My current role is a long term tr aining and development program which increases my experience and responsibility over time, which in turn gives me an opportunity to immerse myself in all areas of the Business and hopefully progress when the time is right. I have been very lucky that the Company has arranged for me to study for an SVQ Level 3 qualification in Poultry Production which is a mixture of study and work based learning.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for Hook2Sisters and am very excited for what the future holds.
JAMES ORROCK
FARM MANAGER
Taking a HND in Poultry opened the door to a varied, interesting and rewarding career. Having proved that I had the knowledge and ability to run a farm gave me the confidence to take opportunities as they arose within the Company. Progressing to Poultry Advisor, Breeding Division Manager, Technical Manager and now General Manager.
With each of these roles my skills had to increase to include people management, budget control, running trials, writing reports and giving presentations at all levels.
I have had the opportunity to travel widely to view production through out the world and have attended many conferences at which I have made many friends along the way.
