Student support from international company

Posted 11 May 2006

AN INTERNATIONAL company has vowed to support a student at Harper Adams University College.

Staff and students at the Shropshire-based university college were told last week that Lincolnshire based company Empire World Trade, which specialises in importing top-quality deciduous fruit, has unveiled a scholarship.

The award, which will be given to a student starting at Harper Adams in 2007, is for an individual determined to follow a career in the food industry after graduation.

Professor Wynne Jones, Principal of Harper Adams University College, said: “We strongly feel the way forward for Harper Adams’ partnership with commerce is to secure suitable students for individual company needs, by providing a scholarship.

“By participating in the scholarship scheme we believe Empire World Trade can significantly benefit by securing an asset for their business and by grooming the student, have them ready to deliver immediate results to the company on graduation.

“Empire World Trade has the advantage and benefit of selecting the very best student in the chosen field and gain a competitive advantage which can only add to the future of their business.”

The successful scholarship recipient will pick up a payment of £2,000 per annum during years one, two and four, of their chosen course.

The student will also be employed by Empire World Trade during their sandwich placement year from Harper Adams.

Upon successful completion of their degree, the graduate will be offered a position at Empire World Trade for a minimum of one year.

At the end of each year of employment at EWT, the company will repay a proportion of the student’s tuition fees for each year the graduate remains in the firm’s employment.

Richard Lowes, Managing Director at Empire World Trade commented on the award: “Empire World Trade is pleased to be sponsoring a student at Harper Adams which is a reflection on the calibre of their students that we have employed.

The Fresh Produce Industry offer huge opportunities for individuals with creative thinking, determination and energy.”