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We are delighted to announce that Fera Science Ltd. (Fera) has been named Large Employer of the Year at the 2025 North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. This award recognises our continued investment in apprenticeships, our passion for developing future talent, and our deep-rooted commitment to the region we are proud to call home.
At Fera, we see our apprentices as a vital part of our future. Through hands-on experience, academic collaboration, and mentorship, we provide a foundation for promising careers in science, technology, and innovation. We work closely with local education partners to offer meaningful vocational training, and we are proud that our efforts are helping to strengthen the regional economy, retain local talent, and inspire the next generation of scientific leaders.
Dedicated to the region and based in York, Fera is a global leader in expert laboratory and field-based services across agriculture, food, and the environment. Originally founded in 1914 as the Institute for Plant Pathology Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we’ve evolved significantly over the past century. Today, we employ over 450 scientists and draw on interdisciplinary research to deliver advanced diagnostics, regulatory testing, and product development. Our work addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing the global food system and biodiversity.
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Through radical and disruptive thinking, Fera has led pioneering advancements in food safety, agricultural science, and environmental sustainability. Our cutting-edge services and solutions are designed not only to solve today’s problems, but to anticipate and prevent tomorrow’s - locally and globally.
Our mission extends beyond science. We are deeply committed to corporate social responsibility, supporting community initiatives, backing local charities, and championing sustainable practices. Our involvement in the BioYorkshire initiative exemplifies this, as we help transform the UK’s bioeconomy and support national Net Zero goals by cutting CO₂ emissions, reducing waste, and creating new jobs in the region.
As we celebrate this recognition from the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, we remain dedicated to shaping a future where innovation, opportunity, and responsibility go hand in hand. We are proud of our past, excited for what’s next, and grateful to everyone - especially our apprentices - who help make Fera what it is today.
