26 eager future leaders have joined food company Pilgrim’s Europe as part of its award-winning graduate and placement programme.
The students from across the UK and Republic of Ireland, have completed an immersive on-boarding month, experiencing the farm-to-fork process and meeting senior leaders to learn about the company’s vision, values, and goals. This included tours of the Dungannon and Craigavon facilities in Northern Ireland, leadership networking with the executive team, and insights into the latest food trends with the culinary team.
Pilgrim’s Europe graduate and placement programme is designed to help ambitious people carve out successful careers in food and drink. Over 12-18 months, participants undergo rotations across disciplines including agriculture, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, commercial, new product development, and technical. The programme is also supported by mentors, graduate buddies, a dedicated career pathway partner, and professional leaders, ensuring participants have access to the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
Welcoming the next generation, Nicola Leitch, Career Pathways Partner, at Pilgrim’s Europe said;
“The enthusiasm for new experiences and commitment to learn from our latest cohort of future leaders has been outstanding, and we are always inspired by the passion and eagerness they bring.
We see outstanding potential in the next generation to be the change-makers, innovators, engineers, and tastemakers of tomorrow. We take a lot of pride in this programme, and we have a legacy of exceptional graduate trainees and placement students who have progressed to leadership roles such as Heads of HR, Head of Innovation, and Executive members.”
Pilgrim’s Europe was awarded 2025 ‘Best Graduate or Training Scheme’ at the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards and ‘Training Initiative of the Year’ at the 2025 NI Farming Awards.
Applications for Pilgrim’s Europe next intake of placement and graduates opens between Nov – Dec 2025. To register interest, visit: Careers | Pilgrim’s Europe
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