Modern apprenticeships have transformed in recent years, with the introduction of new apprenticeships based on ‘standards’ raising the bar on training in the food industry. Butchery is at the forefront of this, being the first food craft apprenticeship to be granted government approval
Why are the new apprenticeship standards better than previous apprenticeships?
Developed by employers for employers
Nobody knows the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed in a job better than the employer. Butchers need apprenticeship training that delivers ‘work ready’ employees. Apprenticeship standards are designed to do just that!
Apprentices prove their skills at end-point assessment
One of the biggest changes is that apprentices don’t automatically qualify after ‘serving their time’. They need to prove their new skills at ‘end-point assessment’, or EPA. EPA is the name given to a series of challenging tests that happen towards the end of an apprenticeship. Apprentices must succeed at end-point assessment to achieve their apprenticeship. Succeeding at EPA gives both apprentice and employer confidence in their abilities.
Government funding for apprenticeships now in the hands of employers
This means employers now have the freedom to choose their own apprenticeship training providers and end-point assessment organisations. Large employers (˃£3m pa wage bill) fund apprenticeships through the Apprentice Levy whilst smaller employers (˂£3m pa wage bill) co-invest with government at a rate of just 5%. What’s more, employers have the flexibility to negotiate apprenticeship training costs and details with a provider, or even deliver their own food training.
Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship Standard
The Level 2 Butchery Apprenticeship is aimed at novice to intermediate level butchers and typically takes 18-24 months to complete. It develops knowledge about the range of meat species and their supply chains, and the various techniques needed to process and/or produce meat products. Apprentice butchers will learn to cut and prepare products to specification for commercial or retail customers.
In addition, mandatory qualifications in Knife Skills, Food Safety and Health and Safety are part of the apprenticeship and must be achieved prior to completion.
The apprenticeship encompasses core modules and sector-specific pathways, making it suitable for butchers working in all sectors of the meat industry:
- Craft Butchery
- In-store (supermarket) Butchery
- Process Butchery
For more information, download the Butcher Standard
Level 3 Advanced Butcher Apprenticeship Standard
The Advanced Butcher Apprenticeship is aimed at more experienced butchers looking to develop both their butchery and their business management skills. This higher-level butchery apprenticeship enables both career progression for employees and succession planning for employers. The apprenticeship typically takes 18-24 months to complete and also contains sector specific pathways for Craft, In-store and Process butchery.
An Advanced Butcher apprentice will develop high level knife skills as well as an all-round understanding of the craft/processing environment. Responsibility is a key word. Advanced Butcher apprentices will be capable of taking responsibility; either for a shop or meat counter, or a processing function.
Management level understanding of food safety, health and hygiene systems is required of the Advanced Butcher. As such, level 3 qualifications in Food Safety Supervision, HAACP, and Health and Safety are mandatory elements of the apprenticeship.
For more information download the Advanced Butcher Standard
Still have a question? Visit www.foodtraining.org.uk or contact the Food and Drink Training and Education Council at [email protected].