Butchery Apprentice | Yetminster

About Us

ABP UK is part of ABP Food Group, one of Europe’s leading consumer food producers. With over sixty years of experience. ABP has a reputation for quality and innovation. Our food business specialises in supplying and developing award-winning British beef and lamb products for retail, food service and wholesale customers worldwide.

We work across several markets to maximise returns for our farmer suppliers and offer efficiency and value for our customers. From the core of our business in consumer food production, we have companies as diverse as pet food manufacturing and renewable energy, giving our colleagues a broad range of opportunities for progression throughout our group. Our ABP Early Careers Academy scheme was crowned Best Training Initiative at the Food Management Awards. Whatever your interests or background, a rewarding career path will be available within ABP.

Role Definition:

As a Butchery Apprentice at ABP UK, you will embark on a hands-on learning experience, gaining foundational knowledge and practical skills in the art of butchery. Working within our dynamic team, you’ll contribute to the production of award-winning British and Irish beef and lamb products, aligning with our commitment to quality, efficiency, traceability, and sustainability, as well as learning about animal welfare, stress prevention, and lean manufacturing practices.

Your apprenticeship will be a journey of continuous learning the latest butchery techniques. This apprenticeship is a foundation for a fulfilling career in meat processing. Post-apprenticeship, advance within the butchery team or explore management roles. This isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s a launchpad for a dynamic, rewarding butchery career, supported by ongoing professional development and experienced mentors.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Acquire foundational knowledge in butchery principles, meat species, and carcass processing techniques.

·        Learn and apply craft and knife skills for cutting, boning, trimming, and mincing meat.

·        Gain knowledge about the meat sector’s history, values, culture, and traditions.

·        Collaborate with the team to meet deadlines and productivity targets in a busy environment.

·        Adhere to health, food safety, and hygiene standards in the butchery environment.

·        Support stock control, product pricing, quality assurance, and customer expectations.

Personal Attributes:

·        Take personal operational responsibility for health and food safety.

·        Display a willingness to learn, solve problems, and acquire new skills.

·        Be punctual, reliable, diligent, and respectful towards customers, peers, and colleagues.

·        Show attention to detail, carrying out duties diligently, and understanding how efficiency supports business profitability.

·        Maintain the vision and ethos of the business, taking pride in work and fostering positive relationships with colleagues.

Knowledge/Skills/Qualifications: 

·        No formal qualifications are required. However, as part of the programme, we will support you towards completing your Level 1 Functions Skills

·        Enthusiasm for our industry and working towards completing your apprenticeships.

·        Keen to learn and develop your skills.

Future Career Path Progression:

As part of completing your apprenticeship, you will gain the following qualifications: Level 2 Food Safety Award, Level 2 Health & Safety in the Food Supply Chain Award, and Level 2 Knife Skills Award

This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone for your butchery career. Successful completion opens pathways to advanced qualifications and specialised roles within ABP UK. As you continue to grow, explore opportunities in sustainable butchery and retail or pursue further education in the broader meat industry. Following completion, apprentices are recognised by the Institute of Meat (IoM), enabling them to use the initials M.Inst.M. Join us on this journey and shape your future with ABP UK!